Art is not only presented in one or two dimensions. It can also be presented in three dimensions as well.
For many years, sculptors have shaped marble, wood, bronze and other materials into incredible forms of art. This allows you to view sculptures from all different angles, unlike a painting.
According to My Modern Met, sculptures have been an "important way to understand culture and society."
Let's take a look at some of the world's famous sculptures and where you can find them on your next journey. Plus, it makes a great addition to your bucket list!
David, Michelangelo
"David" has captivated the world for many years and is considered to be one of the most iconic sculptures in history.
Originally, the sculpture was commissioned for one of the buttresses of the Florence cathedral. It was eventually placed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, a decision made by the Florentine government.
"David" consists of the biblical hero, David, standing calmly and waiting to confront Goliath while holding a slingshot on his left shoulder.
In 1873, the sculpture was relocated to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where it has remained ever since. Visitors from around the world come to take a look at arguably the world's famous sculpture.
Michelangelo was only 26 years old when he began the sculpture in 1501. He completed "David" in 1504.
Current location: Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, Florence, Italy
Winged Victory of Samothrace, or Nike of Samothrace, unknown
The "Winged Victory of Samothrace" is one of the most iconic masterpieces of Hellenistic art. In fact, it is one of the few remaining sculptures that is a Greek original and not a later replica.
The statue depicts, Nike, the winged goddess of victory, standing on the bow of a ship. One element that depicts Nike's motion is the draping (her garment) across her body. Most notably, the statue's face and limbs are missing.
The exact origins of the sculpture are unknown. However, art historians have extensively studied the "Winged Victory of Samothrace" in order to give an estimate on the age of the sculpture and intention.
Since 1883, the "Winged Victory of Samothrace" has captivated visitors at the Louvre, where it graces at the top of the Daru staircase.
Current location: The Louvre, Paris, France
Venus de Milo, Alexandros of Antioch
Considered to be one of the most iconic Greek sculptures, the "Venus de Milo" sculpture is thought to represent Aphrodite, the goddess of love, or Amphitrite, the goddess of the sea.
The arms are missing, but it is not uncommon for ancient sculptures to have missing limbs. It was sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch at around 130 B.C.
It was found on the island of Milos in 1820 in two fragments (the upper body and draped limbs) by a young peasant in a field. King Louis XVIII subsequently donated to the Louvre in March 1821.
Together with the "Mona Lisa" and "Winged Victory of Samothrace," the "Venus de Milo" sculpture is one of the three most famous female figures in the Louvre.
Current location: The Louvre, Paris, France
The Rape of Proserpina, Gian Lorenzo Bernini
"The Rape of Proserpina" displays an example of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's knowledge of physiology and emotion. This is considered to be one his most remarkable pieces during the Baroque period.
When Bernini began the sculpture in 1622, he was only 23 years old. He finished "The Rape of Proserpina" a year later.
Based on a Greek myth, the sculpture depicts Pluto abducting Proserpina, the daughter, of Zeus, and taken to the underworld. Both emotions are highly readable and show a lot of expression on the sculpture.
Since 1908, "The Rape of Proserpina" has resided at the Galleria Borghese in Rome, Italy.
Current location: Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy
Statue of Liberty, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi
The "Statue of Liberty" is widely recognized as a strong symbol of freedom in the United States. When you think of New York City, visiting this coveted statue is a must!
It consists of Lady Liberty holding a torch on her right hand and a tablet containing the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on her left hand.
Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi began conceptualizing an idea of making a colossal statue after Frenchman Édouard de Laboulaye proposed a monumental gift for the United States. Bartholdi's vision was over two decades in the making.
The statue was first constructed in France. France agreed to construct the statue, while the United States agreed to construct the pedestal where Lady Liberty would stand on. For the trans-Atlantic voyage to New York harbor, the statue had to be deconstructed and placed in several crates. Upon arrival in the United States, the "Statue of Liberty" was reconstructed.
Gustave Eiffel, who created the Eiffel tower in Paris, was enlisted to develop the steel framework of the Statue of Liberty.
Finally, in 1886, the statue was dedicated in front of thousands of spectators.
Because the "Statue of Liberty" was made out of copper, it gradually oxidized to the green color that everyone recognizes today.
The "Statue of Liberty," located on Liberty Island, is accessible via a ferry boat from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Current location: Liberty Island, New York City, New York, USA
Statue of Abraham Lincoln at Lincoln Memorial, Daniel Chester French
If you visited Washington D.C., you probably made stopped by the Lincoln Memorial, located at the National Mall. One key feature is the statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.
The statue consists of a solitary figure of Lincoln sitting in contemplation. According to sculptor Daniel Chester French, Lincoln was a "worn, but strong individual who had endured many hardships."
Under French's supervision, the Piccirilli brothers sculpted the statue of Lincoln and took four years to complete before it was unveiled to the public in 1922.
Since then, the statue has gained an important recognition as a symbol of race relations in the United States.
Current location: Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., United States
Cloud Gate, Anish Kapoor
No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting Anish Kapoor's "Cloud Gate," famously known as "The Bean."
The design of the outdoor sculpture was inspired by the movement of mercury, which reflects the cityscape of Chicago (especially the clouds and the lights). It is made of a series of polished stainless-steel plates and weighs 110 tons.
"Cloud Gate" was Kapoor's first installment of public artwork in the United States.
Visitors from all around the world come to visit "Cloud Gate," especially to take pictures and selfies to gain the artwork's ultimate experience from different perspectives.
Current location: Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Bust of Nefertiti, Thutmose
The bust of Nefertiti is perhaps one of the most recognizable emblems of Ancient Egyptian history. It also reflects the symbol of feminine beauty, which is still enjoyed after many centuries.
Nefertiti was a queen of Egypt and the wife of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. In 1912, the bust was discovered by a German archaeological mission in the ruins of the Amarna workshop of the sculptor Thutmose.
Since the 1920s, the bust has been on display at the Neues Museum in Berlin, attracting visitors from around the world to view the beauty of the sculpture in person.
Despite missing the left eye, the bust of Nefertiti has become one of the most beautiful sculptures in the ancient realm.
Current location: Neues Museum, Berlin, Germany
The Thinker, Auguste Rodin
For decades, "The Thinker" has captivated audiences for how it symbolizes philosophy, especially contemplation. The muscular physique of the sculpture has also fascinated spectators as well.
As the name suggests, the sculpture depicts a pensive nude male in a state of contemplation.
The sculpture was originally intended to be part of a larger project, "Gates of Hell." However, it ultimately became an independent work of art after foundry workers discovered similarities between Rodin's sculpture and Michelangelo's sculpture "Il Penseroro."
"The Thinker" has been cast numerous times in different mediums and exhibited around the world in museums and public spaces. The renowned version of the sculpture can be found on display at the Rodin Museum's gardens.
Current location: Rodin Museum, Paris, France
La Pietà, Michelangelo
"La Pieta" is one of Michelangelo's most recognizable works of art, aside from "David" and the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary supporting the body of the dead Christ following a crucifixion. It was completed by Michelangelo in 1499 and you can visit the sculpture at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, where it has been housed since the 15th century.
As a theme of Christian art, "pieta" is a portrayal of the Virgin Mary holding the body of her son.
It is the only piece of artwork that features Michelangelo's signature.
"La Pieta" is considered to be one of the most poignant sculptures due to its emotional appeal.
Current location: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Laocoön and His Sons, Agesander, Polydorus, and Athenodorus
"Laocoön and His Sons" came from the Hellenistic period and represents a depiction of a realistic movement. Like many Greek sculptures, the subject matter usually comes from classical mythology.
In this case, "Laocoön and His Sons" consists of Laocoön, a Trojan priest, and his two sons, Antiphantes and Thymbraeus. It depicts the three of them trying to fight off a horde of sea serpents.
The sculpture is an example of realistic emotional expression, which is agony in this case. It also received praise from Pliny the Elder, a renowned ancient philosopher.
Visitors can come take a look at "Laocoön and His Sons" at the Vatican Museums.
Current location: Vatican Museums, Vatican City
Terracotta Warriors (or Terracotta Army)
You probably have heard about the Terracotta Warriors, especially in your world history class in college or high school.
What started off as something small ultimately ended up becoming one of the greatest discoveries in the world. In 1974, farmers were digging a well outside of Xi'an, China. Then, they stumbled upon a life-size clay sculpture of what seemed to be a soldier ready for battle. After notifying Chinese authorities to the site, thousands of terracotta clay soldiers were uncovered.
The Terracotta Warriors depict the army of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Over 8,000 soldiers exist, as well as 130 chariots and 670 horses. Each of the sculptures has distinct facial features.
Since 1987, the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Current location: Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Shaanxi, China
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