30 Famous Sculptures you need to See in your life

30 Famous Sculptures you need to See in your life

‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free’, Not my words, but those of the famous Italian artist and sculptor, Michelangelo! Looking at some of the most iconic sculptures from ancient Greece and Rome, to the Renaissance and Baroque periods up until now, the sheer excellence depicted through the artist’s work makes sense for his statement.

One can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking creations brought forth from mere blocks of marble, concrete, bronze, and other material to birth masterpieces! Some of these are inspired by historic or religious events, some allude to Greek or Roman mythologies, and others are philosophical ideas in tangible form. From the towering Christ the Redeemer statue to the emotive Pieta and Dying Gaul, we offer you a list of 30 famous sculptures you’ve got to see at least once in your life!

Famous sculptures in Italy

1. Bernini’s David-Rome

Image by Waldo Miguez from Pixabay

The Biblical story of young boy David’s unlikely triumph over the giant Goliath is remarkable, and so is Bernini’s depiction of the heroic tale. The sculpture shows David, stone, and catapults in hand, preparing to aim at Goliath’s forehead. The determined look in his eyes and an evident resolve to conquer makes the sculpture quite the sensation. It has been cited as unique compared to other depictions of David, especially for its climatic buildup of the events. It was executed between 1623 and 1624. It is housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.

2. Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius-Rome

Jebulon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Marcus Aurelius was a famous Roman Emperor and stoic philosopher who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. The statue depicts him in the splendor of royal attire, mounted on a horse with his right arm stretched out. His dominance and divine grandeur can be felt as you look at the statue, which is made of bronze. It is about 13.9 feet tall. An interesting observation is the omission of his armor and sword, hence the depiction is widely thought to symbolize his reign of peace. While the statue was erected around 175 AD, scholars contest its original location. Presently, it stands at Capitoline Museums in Rome. There’s a replica at the Piazza del Campidoglio.

Read also; 15 Most Beautiful Ancient Roman Art Items.

3. Donatello’s David

Donatello, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

David has been depicted before, but Donatello’s work stands out for a couple of reasons. It was the first freestanding nude male sculpture, breaking ground for other works of this kind. It was also the first unsupported standing work of bronze during the Renaissance. David is shown after slaying Goliath, with his foot on his severed head. In his right hand is Goliath’s sword, and on his face, a smile of victory. It is unknown when exactly Donatello created the work, but historians suggest dates from the 1420s to the 1460s. It is housed in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence.

4. Michelangelo’s David

Livioandronico2013, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’re probably thinking, ‘Not another David!”. But Michelangelo’s marble creation is nothing short of dominant and unique in its own right. The renowned sculptor knew how to bring his subjects to life, and with David, he exemplifies a man of valor, oozing confidence in his youthful but steady gaze. Isn’t it also impressive that Michelangelo was only 26 years old when he got commissioned to sculpt it? The piece of art has been described as a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. It was executed from 1501 to 1504. It has a height of 17 feet and is housed in the Galleria dell Accademia.

5. Apollo and Daphne-Rome

Architas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s intricate work of art depicts the climax of the story of Apollo and Daphne. In escaping Apollo’s sexual advances, Daphne transforms into a tree. The design is masterfully crafted to give the viewer fitting angular perspectives. When viewed slightly from the right, one can capture the reactions of the two simultaneously. The sculpture captures the story in motion, at least figuratively, and it has been hailed as one of the most marvelous creations of the Baroque age. Bernini worked on it between 1622 and 1625. It is housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, and other works of the famed sculptor.

Read also; From the Colosseum to the Vatican: Famous Iconic Landmarks Loved by the Sculptures. 

6. Colosso dell’Appennino

For a colossus meant to personify the Apennine Mountains, it’s a breathtaking sight and an impressive work of art. It’s about 36 feet high, and its façade resembles that of an old man, slightly bent over towards the lake. He’s the central focus, but there are other sculptures surrounding him, resembling mythological creatures described in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The colossus is situated in the estate of Villa Demidoff in Vaglia. It was sculpted by Jean de Boulogne in the late 1580s and is made of stone.

7. Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Vassil, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Yet another popular creation of Lorenzo Bernini, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is a life-sized, white marble sculptural set housed in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome. It features Saint Teresa of Avila, as she swoons in religious ecstasy. An angel with a spear is standing over her. It is inspired by the religious experience narrated by Teresa, in her autobiography, ‘The Life of Teresa of Jesus’ (1515-1582). In part, she writes, ‘I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron’s point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart. The piece of art is generally considered a masterpiece of the Baroque age. It was executed between 1647 and 1652.

8. The Dying Gaul-Rome

Photo by antmoose, Wikimedia Commons.

An injured Galatian is sitting on his shield, with his sword lying on his side. His face evokes pity for the seemingly defeated man, who also appears to be in pain. This is not the original bronze sculpture, but a copy. The original one is believed to have been commissioned between 230 and 220 BC by Attalus I, and sculpted by Epigonus. Originally, it was referred to as the dying gladiator but in the mid-19^th century, ‘dying Gaul’ gained popularity. The semi-marble sculpture is held in the Capitoline Museums in Rome.

9. The Rape of Proserpina

Photo by Burkhard Mücke. Wikimedia Commons.

Bernini wows us with yet another masterpiece in the form of a Baroque marble group sculpture. He executed it between 1621 and 1622, which was rather early in his career. He was 23 years old when he finished working on it. The piece depicts the abduction of Proserpina by the Greek god of the underworld, Pluto. The extent of detail, including a trickle of tears on Proserpina’s face adds to the realistic edge of the sculpture. It is 225 centimeters in height. It is held in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.

10. Perseus with the Head of Medusa

Image by plutarch66 from Pixabay

The nude, bronze statue depicts the story of Perseus and Andromeda in Greek mythology. Perseus is known as the slayer of dragons, and one of his most remarkable feats was beheading Medusa to save Andromeda, whom he intended to marry. The head of the monster Medusa, whose hair is made of snakes, is raised by his right hand, dripping blood. His left-hand holds the sword, and his feet triumphantly step on the beheaded body of Medusa. The sculpture was created by Benvenuto Cellini between 1545 and 1554. It can be found in the Loggia dei Lanzi, in Florence.

Famous Sculptures in Japan

11. Nagasaki Peace Statue

Photo by Tayawee Supan on Unsplash

World War II was one of the worst conflicts that humankind has ever had to face. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6^th and 9^th August 1945 by the United States goes down in history for its devastating effects. The Nagasaki Peace Statue commemorates the event and is located near the Atomic Bomb Museum. The statue is 10 meters tall and was sculpted by Seibo Kitamura. Its right hand is raised, calling for nations to stand up to the threat of nuclear weapons, while its left hand is extended for peace. Its closed eyes offer a prayer for the victims, while the folded right leg is a symbol of mediation. There’s a nearby plaque recounting the fateful attack and its deadly effects. It is located at the Nagasaki Peace Park.

 Famous sculptures in Spain

12. Maman

Photo by Michel Rathwell. Wikimedia Commons.

Maman means mother in French, and this iconic, philosophical piece of art by Louis Bourgeois is an ode to her mum. The bronze and stainless steel structure depicts a spider, measuring over 30 feet high and 33 feet wide. It is an analogy of the strength and nurturing spirit of a mother. Louis lost her mother at the age of 21, and this dealt her a big blow. Recounting their friendship and bond, she dedicates the sculpture to her. Just like a spider, she was a weaver, protective, and very clever. The work was created in 1999 and is now located in the National Gallery of Canada.

Check out the Top 5 Public Sculptures to see in Barcelona.

Famous Sculptures in Egypt

13. Great Sphinx at Giza

Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash

Few artistic creations come close to the awe and mystery associated with the Great Sphinx of Giza. This is a massive, limestone statue of a reclining sphinx on the Giza Plateau. A sphinx is a mythical creature often depicted to have the head of a human being and the body of a lion. It stretches 73 meters in length, and 20 meters from the base to the top of the head. It is 19 meters wide. While nobody knows exactly how far back it dates, it has been agreed that this is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt.

Famous sculptures in Brazil

14. Christ the Redeemer- Rio de Janeiro

Photo by Effie Kimble on Unsplash

One of the most prominent statues in the world stands majestically at Rio’s Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park. Towering over the city of Rio, the iconic statue has a total height of 125 feet. It is an unmissable landmark and symbol of Brazil. Its construction began in 1922 and was only completed in 1931. The tall figure of Jesus Christ is depicted stretching his arms open as if to welcome an embrace. The arms stretch 28 meters wide. The statue is made of concrete and soapstone. French sculptor Paul Landowski created its design and Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida sculpted the face. It was built by Heitor da Silva Costa.  It is widely regarded as a symbol of Christianity and a cultural heritage of Rio and Brazil.

Famous Sculptures in Russia

15. The Motherland Calls

Image by Александр from Pixabay

The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the bloodiest battles fought on the Eastern Front during World War II. Russia’s Soviet Army dealt the German machine a heavy blow, and this statue is inspired by the heroic efforts of the Russian soldiers to defend their motherland. Built by sculptor Yevgeny Vechetich and Nikolai Nikitin, the statue depicts a woman forging forward with a sword raised in her right hand. Her left hand is extending a calling gesture, calling upon her sons and daughters to defend against the enemy.

She is the motherland, Russia in this case. It’s a hollow statue made of concrete and wire ropes, with its interior being made up of separate cells. Its construction began in 1959 and by the time it was completed in 1967, it was the tallest sculpture in the world. It is located near Mamayev Kurgan in the city of Volgograd, which is the former Stalingrad.

Famous sculpture in the United Kingdom

16. Singing Ringing Tree

Photo by Mr T. Wikimedia Commons.

Sound art and architectural design blend perfectly in this interesting piece. The 3-meter tall construction of galvanized steel pipes is designed to harness wind and produce choral sound. It was designed by Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu. It won the National Award of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2007. It is located in the Pennine Hill range, overlooking Burnley in Lancashire. It was completed in 2006. It has also inspired the creation of another similar structure on the outskirts of Austin, Texas.

Famous sculpture in the USA

17. Statue of Liberty- New York City

Image by stinne24 from Pixabay

It used to be the world’s tallest sculpture before India’s Statue of Unity grabbed that title. The Statue of Liberty stands at an impressive height of 46 meters (the copper statue). The total height inclusive of the base up to the torch is approximately 93 meters. It was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi but its conception was not a one-man job. It was a joint project by the French and American people. It took about two decades to bring the idea to life, and now, the statue is a remarkable symbol of American democratic ideals.

The statue itself is the Roman goddess of liberty, holding a torch over her head with her right hand. There’s a tablet in her left hand with an inscription of July 4, 1776. This was the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. You can see a broken chain lying at her feet, symbolizing the abolition of slavery after the Civil War.  It stands in its iconic stature at Liberty Island in New York City. Millions have visited the site since its commissioning in 1886 to admire the art and powerful symbolism held by the statue.

18. Abraham Lincoln Statue

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Located in the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, the statue depicts a seated 16^th President of the USA, Abraham Lincoln. It was sculpted by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli Brothers. It is made of white marble and has a height of 30 feet. The pedestal is 11 feet high. President Lincoln sits back in an armchair and stares ahead in an unbuttoned frock coat, and a United States flag draped over the chair sides. He is credited for his impeccable leadership and belief in freedom for all people. The statue was unveiled in 1922.

Famous Sculptures in China

19. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Terracotta Army)

Image by Christel SAGNIEZ from Pixabay

It’s the largest form of funerary art, and an impressive discovery to say the least. Featuring over 8,000 sculpted soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, the Terracotta Army is a major highlight at Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum. Qin Shi was the first emperor of a unified China, and when he died, these symbolic sculptures were created for his protection in the afterlife. They date from around late 200 BCE, but they were discovered in 1974 by farmers in Lintong County. It’s like a miniature universe, and the intentional uniqueness given to each piece shows the incredible effort of the sculptors.

Famous Sculptures in Greece

20. Artemision Bronze- Zeus or Poseidon?

Photo by Pinterpandai.com. Wikimedia Commons.

This is one of the classic examples of Greek statuary and a rather mysterious one as well. To date, there’s still debate whether the statue is that of the Greek god Zeus or Poseidon. It’s estimated to have been sculpted around 460 BC. The only uncontested fact about it is that it was recovered from the sea off Cape Artemision in Greece. The bronze statue is about 200 centimeters tall, and its sculptor is unknown. It is held at the National Archeological Museum of Athens.

Famous sculptures in France

21. The Thinker

Photo by Fernando Santander on Unsplash

Just like the name suggests, a glance at this massive statue makes you wonder what this man is thinking about. The bronze manly figure is sitting and slightly leaning forward, his right elbow resting on his knee and his left arm holding his chin, seemingly deep in thought. Its creator, Auguste Rodin, was inspired by Dante’s ‘Inferno’, specifically the Gates of Hell. The Thinker, otherwise known as The Poet, is meditating on his work, and the statue has been held to represent the creative process and philosophy. It was commissioned in 1880, and a bronze casting was made in 1904. There are 27 known full-sized castings. It is housed at the Musee Rodin in Paris.

22. Winged Victory of Samothrace

Photo by Dileep Kaluaratchie. Wikimedia Commons.

It’s a spectacular sight with an even more interesting background story to it. The statue depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory at the time when she sets foot on the Greek flagship to congratulate the fleet on their victory. Although her arms are missing, you can tell that she’d probably be raising them in a celebratory manner, just like football fans do when a player scores. It’s an iconic piece of Greek art and one of the best preserved as well. It was found on the island of Samothrace, north of the Aegean Sea.  It measures 2.75 meters, excluding the base. In total, its height adds up to 5.57 meters. It has been housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, but Greece is seeking repatriation.

More on the Top 10 Sculptures to see in Paris.

23. Les Voyageurs- Marseille-Fos Port

Bronze sculpture “La Famille De Voyageurs”, author: Bruno Catalano. Inside Flower Dome, Bay South Garden, Gardens by the Bay. Central Region, Singapore.

Les Voyageurs is the French word for travelers. Bruno Catalano’s creations intrigue the mind as you stare into the bronze surrealist sculptures of people with missing parts. They are holding suitcases, and you can tell they are on a journey. Catalano cites they represent the migrant experience; leaving parts of themselves, families, and homes, to venture into new lands. Interestingly, he was a native of Morocco before migrating to France. He has created a series of such sculptures, and most can be found at the Marseille-Fos Port. Some have been displayed in other parts of the world, including Venice, Italy at the 58^th Venice Biennale.

24. Venus de Milo

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It’s widely considered one of the most famous and best-preserved works of ancient Greek sculpture. Standing at a height of 204 centimeters, the Parian marble sculpture is slightly larger than a life-sized item. It is believed to depict the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Her Roman counterpart is Venus. The sculpture is estimated to have been created between 150 and 125 BC. Its arms are missing, having been lost after its rediscovery on the island of Milos in 1820. You can view it at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

See also; 15 Amazing Artworks you need to see the Musee d’Orsay.

25. The Kiss

Image by Patricio Hurtado from Pixabay

The controversial nude, marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin depicts a couple about to kiss. It is inspired by a scene in Dante’s Inferno (Circa 2, Canto 5), where a noblewoman falls in love with her husband’s younger brother. They are discovered and killed, but as shown in the sculpture, their lips don’t touch, meaning that they died without ever kissing. The erotic nature of the piece made it controversial at its completion in 1882. It is now held in the Musee Rodin.

Famous sculptures in Berlin

26. Bust of Nefertiti- Egyptian Museum of Berlin

Photo by Arkadiy Etumyan. Wikimedia Commons.

Nefertiti was the royal wife of the Egyptian pharaoh, Akhenaten. She may not be famous as Cleopatra, but this stucco-coated limestone bust depicting her feminine charm, royalty, and beauty is rather significant. It is one of the most copies of Ancient Egyptian art, and a source of heated debate over colonialism. It was discovered in Amarna, Egypt, by a team of German archeologists in 1912.

The bust was found in King’s sculptor Thutmose’s workshop. They smuggled it out of the country and into Germany despite provisions objecting to the appropriation of Egyptian items. The sculpture has been displayed in various places and currently sits in the Neues Museum in Berlin. It is widely thought to be the most significant item of ancient Egyptian art in continental Europe.

Famous sculptures in India

27. The Statue of Unity

Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay

The tallest statue in the world rises over Sardar Sarovar Dam, in Gurajat, India. The colossal 597 feet statue is nothing short of a modern marvel, but some do view it as an unnecessary expensive political project. It depicts one of India’s independence leaders, Vallabhbhai Patel. He was the first deputy prime minister of India and is remembered for uniting the 562 states of India to form a single Union of India. Its construction began in 2013 and was completed in 2018. The statue is made of steel framing, reinforced concrete, and brass coating.

Famous sculptures in Vatican City

28. Pieta-St. Peter’s Basilica

Image by Jacques Savoye from Pixabay

Michelangelo is undoubtedly famous for his genius creations, but this is one of the very first works that made him known. Pieta means pity, and the image of a sorrowful Mary holding her dead son, Jesus on her lap evokes such an emotion for sure. Jesus has just been taken down from the cross, and His mother takes Him into her lap. The marble sculpture was originally commissioned for Jean Bilheres, a Cardinal of France. It now sits in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

29. Apollo Belvedere- Vatican Museums

Photo by Marie-Lan Nguyen and one more author. Wikimedia Commons.

The Greek god Apollo appears to have just shot an arrow. His hands are in some sort of archery position in this nude, white marble sculpture, and it’s hard to tell the exact context that was intended to be the subject of its creation. Some historians suggest that he has just shot an arrow through the serpent Python, or the giant Tityos. The sculpture is approximately 7.3 feet high, and the Roman sandals covering its feet reinforce the conclusion that it’s a Roman creation of Hadrianic date (120-140 AD). It is held at the Pio-Clementine Museum of the Vatican Museums Complex.

30. Laocoon and his sons

Photo by Erik Drost. Wikimedia Commons.

When Laocoon, the Trojan high priest tried to warn his fellow Trojans of an impending attack by the Greeks, the goddess Athena sent snakes to kill him. This sculpture depicts the agony of Lacooon and his sons as they are devoured by the snakes. Other versions of the story exist, and all end with the ruthless death of Laocoon’s sons.

The artistic feat is remarkable, and the depth of suffering captured on the contorted faces, and straining bodies of the subjects makes the piece one of the most famous in antiquity. Indeed, it has been equated to the ‘prototypical icon of human agony’ in art. It was excavated in Rome in 1506 and currently stands in the Vatican Museums. It is made of marble and measures slightly over 2 meters in height.

Whether you’re a fan of art, history, or antiquity, these sculptures and more that are just as great will wow you. It’s incredible; the genius evident in creating such marvellous works! If you haven’t yet, take a trip and see one up close at least once in your life.