The last trace of the lost statue can be found in the journal film from 1916. Here you can see how Venus Capua is lifted from its pedestal in the old Lorensberg Park. Since then, no one has seen the artwork in Gothenburg.
Going back to its historic site
In the 1800s, the statue stood in the courtyard of the Sahlgrenska House. Now the building will be renovated and the ambition is for Venus to return here after more than 100 years of absence.
– We also intend to try to recreate several parts of the house and therefore we are looking for the statue that once stood in this courtyard, says Martin Lysell at Higab.
Looking for traces in family archives
The search led to Thomas Petersen, whose grandfather Sophus leased Lorensbergsparken. Thomas keeps track of family archives and is interested in art. He knows that during the renovation work, two other statues were moved to the Garden Society where they still stand today. But not Venus Capua.
– I was asked if I knew where the statue has gone and I really don't know, there was a question from the person if it had possibly been placed on my grandfather's island Lilla Varholmen but there has never been, I have a good memory so I can say that immediately, says Thomas Petersen.
Got some tips
The first tip after the search came from Särö, but it led to the wrong statue. Now, the company is investigating another clue.
"We have received a hot tip from Halmstad, where a man says that I have seen this statue in a garden somewhere in the city. We are investigating it right now and we hope that it can be true, this track, says Martin Lysell.