10 Most Famous Statues In The World

10 Most Famous Statues In The World

Sometimes when we think of art we just focus on paintings and forget all about the wonderful world of sculpture. Over the centuries artists have created some of the most detailed, beautiful, impressive, and famous statues the world has ever seen. They've found their ways into film and television and have even become popular international symbols; they are amongst the most influential works of all time.

1. Christ The Redeemer

Created By: Paul Landowski

Location: Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paul Landowski's concrete and stone sculpture entitled Christ the Redeemer has become an iconic image around the world. Standing at nearly 40 meters (125 feet) tall in total, this statue overlooks the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro and dominates the skyline. It's such an impressive feat of both art and engineering that it has become an immensely popular tourist attraction; it has even earned a coveted place on the list of 'New Seven Wonders of the World' - and deservedly so!

2. Moai

Created By: The Rapa Nui People

Location: Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island

These enormous figures carved out of stone were created on Easter Island between the years 1250 and 1500. 887 statues were erected in total, which is staggering considering the size and weight of the pieces of rock. Far from just being fun, quirky, interesting pieces to look at - which they most certainly are - these sculptures were actually created for spiritual purposes. The Rapa Nui people believed that they held the spirits of deceased ancestors, who would look over and protect the people.

3. Statue Of Liberty

Created By: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi

Location: Liberty Island, New York, United States

The Statue of Liberty is pretty much one of the biggest, most iconic symbols of the United States of America. She was actually a gift from France. The statue's distinctive pale aqua coloring is a result of the material used - this is the only statue on this list that's made from copper. It is possible to climb the statue to walk around her crown; overlooking the spectacular views of the city of New York in this way must feel like standing on the top of the world!

4. David

Created By: Michelangelo

Location: Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, Florence, Italy

Michelangelo is one of the most famous artists ever to have lived, and his statue of the biblical character David is one of the most recognizable sculptures on the planet. Carved from smooth, white marble, it actually stands at over four meters (14 feet) high - much larger than life-size. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this famous work of art in Florence, Italy, grab it with both hands. Rounding the corner to see this magnificent image of a perfect human specimen is an amazing, awe-inspiring experience!

5. The Kiss

Created By: Auguste Rodin

Location: Paris, France

This practically life-size statue created by French sculptor Auguste Rodin depicts a couple enveloped in a passionate embrace. However, their lips aren't actually touching. It's a heart-wrenching idea for such a beautiful work of art, and it seems like many others felt the same way; numerous reproductions of this piece have been made, and it has even appeared on the big screen.

6. Abraham Lincoln

Created By: Daniel Chester French

Location: Washington D.C, US

The enormous, impressive, infamous Lincoln Memorial statue was sculpted by Daniel Chester French in 1920. It stands at roughly 30 feet tall - President Lincoln was a huge figure in U.S. history, but he's even bigger in statue form! In fact, this marble statue has become so famous that it even makes an appearance in the 2009 film, Night at the Museum 2, where he was voiced by Hank Azaria.

7. David (The Bronze David)

Created By: Donatello

Location: Bargello Palace, Florence, Italy

The Italian sculptor Donatello actually created two different statues of the biblical character David, but this one (which has been cast in bronze) is by far the most famous. It was made for the Medici family, who pretty much ran Florence during the 15th Century. However, the artist wasn't so keen on the family claiming the character of David all for themselves, so he cast the statue to look a little effeminate. With his long hair, curvy figure and hip thrust out at a jaunty angle, this famous statue looks more like Davina than David.

8. The Discus Thrower (aka Discobolus)

Created By: Myron

Location: British Museum, London, UK

Discobolus is the famous statue showing a muscular, nude male athlete in mid-twist, holding a discuss which he is about to throw. Unfortunately, the Greek original has been lost - not surprising, really, when you consider that it was made around 2,500 years ago. However, several Roman copies mean that we still know and love it today. We've all heard stories of how the Olympics were originally ancient Greek-led sporting events.

9. Venus de Milo

Created By: Alexandros of Antioch

Location: The Louvre, Paris, France

Venus de Milo is one of the earliest works of art ever created, and one of the oldest to still be in existence today. It was made by the ancient Greeks somewhere between 130 and 100 BC - understandably, the result is that nobody is quite certain of who the artist is. That said, what we do know is that the statue is meant to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love (Venus was the Roman equivalent). She used to have arms and a plinth, but they were lost when she was discovered 200 years ago.

10. The Thinker

Created By: Auguste Rodin

Location: Musée Rodin, Paris, France

Rodin really was one of the most skilled sculptors the world has ever seen. This bronze statue was originally created to be the biggest and most prominent figure in a large piece called The Gates of Hell. However, the figure has gone on to become world famous in his own right, eventually becoming an image that is synonymous with philosophy and deep thinking.