Nikole Stewart
There are so many art pieces throughout history that can be recognized by many. And while several famous artworks consist of paintings, there are many famous sculptures around the world. If you want to dive into history, let’s check out some of these three-dimensional masterpieces, from marble to limestone.
6. The Thinker – Auguste Rodin
Whether you’re a fan of the arts or not, you’ve probably seen The Thinker before, especially with how often it’s referenced in other forms of media. This masterpiece was created by Auguste Rodin, originally titled The Poet. Interestingly enough, this was supposed to be part of a larger composition called The Gates of Hell; however, it was retitled after becoming an independent work of art.
5. Venus of Willendorf
This 4-inch-tall figurine is remarkably one of the most famous sculptures of all time. The limestone creation was discovered in Willendorf, Austria, and is believed to have been crafted between 30,000 and 25,000 BCE. According to historians, this is supposedly the oldest known work of art. Because of the shape of the woman’s body, many believe it’s a fertility statue, or a Venus figurine, giving it its name of Venus of Willendorf.
4. The Terracotta Army
Located in Xi’an, China, one of the most breathtaking displays is the terracotta warriors. The collection of statues depicts the army of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The collection is vast and stunning, with 8,000 statues, 130 chariots, and 670 horses. The figures are supposedly guarding the Emperor in the afterlife, and were only recently discovered in 1974 when farmers were digging a well, finding them one mile from the Emperor’s tomb.
3. Nefertiti Bust – Thutmose
Another limestone creation that is known for being one of the most famous sculptures is the Nefertiti Bust, a stunning portrait of the Great Royal Wife of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. The bust was found in the workshop of an artist named Thutmose and now resides in the Neues Museum in Berlin.
2. Venus De Milo – Alexandros Of Antioch
Another Venus artwork on the list of famous sculptures is the one created by Alexandros of Antioch. Venus de Milo, also known as the Aphrodite of Milos, is thought to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The marble statue stands 6 feet tall and is missing its arms. It is located in the Louvre today.
1. David – Michelangelo
Easily one of the most recognizable sculptures in the world is David by Michelangelo. The artist is known for his creative genius, having been commissioned for the roof of Florence’s cathedral at the age of only 26. His oversized statue is calm and collected, featuring his slingshot slung over his shoulder as he waits to take on Goliath. Michelangelo is known for his attention to detail and his mastery of balancing his artwork perfectly.