Famous Statues
Statues have been created in many cultures from prehistory to the present. Did you know that the oldest known statue dates to about 30,000 years ago? It is known as the Löwenmensch figurine or Lion-man of the Hohlenstein-Stadel and it was discovered in a cave in Germany.
The world’s tallest statue, Spring Temple Buddha, is 153 metres (502 ft), and is located in Lushan County, Henan, China. Here are a few more well known statues from around the world. Unravel each photo and read more about them!
1. The Statue of Liberty
Located on Liberty Island in Manhattan, the statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886 as a gift to the United States from the people of France. It was given to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.
2. The Thinker
The Thinker is a bronze sculpture of a life-sized man lost in a deep thought and is often used as an image to represent philosophy. Built by Auguste Rodin and originally named ‘The Poet’, the statue was meant to capture the first section of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem Divine Comedy. There are various statues of the Thinker; the original however is currently in the Musée Rodin in Paris.
3. The Olmec Colossal Heads
The head sculptures of the Olmec Civilization were made before 900 BC, on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The Olmec Heads are among the most mysterious artworks of the world. The enormous helmeted heads are thought to be portraits of rulers and no two heads are alike. 17 colossal heads of various sizes have been found.