Statues and sculptures show the culture and philosophy of an era’s artists.
They may mark an emperor’s victory or declare a nation’s conquest and independence. However, it is often the reflection of a continent’s or civilization’s culture.
There are numerous notable statues all over the world. This is a list of interesting sculptures that you can visit around the world.
01. Sphinx
This is one of the most visited sculptures in the world. Sphinx is located at the Giza Plateau near Cairo in Egypt. Some sculptures have great aesthetic value and are part of human history, the great Sphinx is one of those. It is smaller than the pyramids around it but still marked as the main tourist spot.
It was built in approximately 2500 BC by the pharaoh Khafre. Although, there is a great deal of debate among historians and Egyptologists about whose face it is portraying.
02. Statue of Liberty
One of the most well-known icons in the world is the Statue of Liberty. It is a gift from the French people to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. It’s located on Liberty Island.
It shows a woman trampling over a broken chain while carrying a torch in her raised right hand and a tabula ansata tablet. She is wearing a stola, a radiant crown, and sandals.
The statue was made in France in July 1884, and it was sent to New York in the following year. Even if you are not from the states or have never visited here, you have seen the Statue of Liberty in many Hollywood movies.
03. Christ the Redeemer
This famous statue is an icon of Rio and Brazil. Christ the Redeemer is located on the Corcovado mountain, approximately 700 meters(2,300) from sea level. You can get a view of the interior of Guanabara bay to the north, to Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas to the south from the top.
The statue is 39.6 meters tall (that includes its 9.5 meters pedestal), and 30 meters wide. It’s a tall statue and also a movie icon in many Hollywood movies.
04. The Thinker
Auguste Rodin’s ‘The Thinker,’ one of the most iconic images of all time, has even received its own Google image to commemorate the French sculptor’s birthday.
Because of its deep thinking and contemplation attitude, the Thinker monument is widely used to symbolize philosophy. The figure was intended to be part of Rodin’s 1880 commission The Gates of Hell, but the first of the famous massive bronze castings was completed in 1904.
05. David Statue
It’s a masterpiece from the Renaissance era, created by Michelangelo from 1501 to 1504. Made with white marble, this statue portrays Biblical King David in the nude.
The statue symbolizes independence and strength, it embodies the city of Florence, Italy. The statue was originally placed in the Piazza Della Signoria, but it was moved to protect it from damage at the Accademia Gallery in Florence. A replica was placed in the original location.
06. Olmec Heads
The Olmec were an ancient race of the Pre-Columbian era living in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico. At present time it is the states of Veracruz and Tabasco. The civilization was on tier top from 1400 BC to 400 BC. The enormous helmeted heads are the most recognized structure of their era. These heads are portraits of the rulers, no heads are alike and are adorned with distinctive features. So far 17 helmet-like heads are unearthed to date. The biggest one is Rancho La Cobata head, at 3.4m high, the smallest one sizes 1.47m, the pair at Tres Zapotes.
07. The Merlion
The Merlion is a statue in Singapore, you can’t miss this statue if you have ever been there. It’s an icon of Singapore. A lion’s face and fish body merge in the statue, and water is getting out of the lion’s mouth.
There are six Merlion statues in Singapore. The 8.6-meter tall original statue is located at Merlion park and a smaller 2-meter tall statue standing behind the original statue is called the “Merlion Cub”.
08. Leshan Giant Buddha, Leshan, China
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 233-foot (71m) tall stone monument carved out of a cliff face in China’s Sichuan region. The statue, which was constructed between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty), depicts Maitreya, the epitome of all-encompassing love.
The massive statue is a renowned tourist attraction, and one of its shoulders is huge enough to hold a basketball court.
09. Guanyin, Ting Kok, Hong Kong
The most remarkable aspect of the Tsz Shan Monastery in Hong Kong is the blindingly white Guanyin statue. The monastery is hidden amongst the greenery of thick woodlands, rising 249 feet (76m) above ground, offering it a tranquil and pleasant retreat from the busy city.
10. The Great Buddha of Phuket, Karon, Thailand
The Great Buddha of Phuket stands 148 feet (45 meters) tall and is built of Burmese white marble. It represents The Buddha in a seated position. The building began in 2004 and cost roughly $950000, the majority of which came from public donations.
11. The Motherland Monument, Kyiv, Ukraine
The Motherland Monument in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, known locally as Brezhnev’s Daughter, honors Ukrainian soldiers who defended Kyiv during WWII and celebrates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
The 203-foot (62-meter) tall titanium statue, which overlooks the Dnieper River, is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.
12. Maha Shiva Adiyogi Statue, Booluvampatti, India
Guinness World Records has named this statue of the Hindu deity Shiva the world’s largest bust sculpture. It stands 112 feet (34 meters) tall and is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The statue’s purpose was to promote yoga. Adiyogi, which means “the first yogi,” is named after Shiva, who is regarded as the inventor of yoga.
