statue

A statue is a three-dimensional work of art that represents a real or imagined figure, typically a human, animal, or mythic being. Statues are usually substantial in size and designed for display on a pedestal or plinth. The term is often used for representational sculpture intended to be viewed from multiple angles, as distinct from relief sculpture or abstract forms.

Statues are made in a variety of materials, including stone such as marble or granite, metal such as bronze or iron, ceramics, wood, plaster, and modern composites. Common methods include carving (removing material), modeling (adding material in clay or wax), casting (pouring molten metal into a mold), and fabrication using industrial processes. Advances in technology have enabled 3D scanning, digital design, and additive manufacturing to produce statues with complex geometries.

Statues have appeared in most cultures and eras. Early figures in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley served religious, ceremonial, or commemorative purposes. In classical Greece and Rome, statues celebrated deities, athletes, and heroes with idealized forms. Throughout the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and into modern times, statues have expressed religious devotion, political authority, public memory, and artistic innovation.

Public statues often occupy parks, squares, and government or religious sites. They may function as monuments, memorials, or symbols of identity. Conservation challenges include weathering, pollution, corrosion, and vandalism; preservation work combines cleaning, stabilization, and, when necessary, careful restoration or replacement.

Notable examples include the Statue of Liberty in New York, a symbol of freedom and a gift from France; Michelangelo's David in Florence, a landmark of Renaissance sculpture; and Rodin's The Thinker, a widely reproduced bronze figure. Statues continue to be created for public art, remembrance, and commemorative purposes around the world.