10 of the Most Popular Sculptures Around the World

Sculptures and famous statues are a key part of our understanding of past cultures, beliefs, and events. They have the power to evoke strong emotions, inspire awe, and tell stories that resonate across generations. These works of art are often more than mere stone or metal — they are enduring symbols of human creativity, history, and expression.

Here we take a closer look at ten of the most famous statues and sculptures from different periods — each with its own unique story to tell.

1. Michelangelo’s David (1501–1504) – Florence, Italy

Perhaps the most iconic sculpture of the Renaissance, David by Michelangelo is a towering representation of the biblical hero who defeated Goliath. Standing 17 feet tall and carved from a single block of marble, the statue captures the tension before battle, with David’s muscles taut and gaze focused. Completed when Michelangelo was only in his twenties, the sculpture embodies ideals of strength, beauty, and youthful determination.

More than just a representation of biblical lore, David became a political symbol of resistance and freedom in Florence. Today, it remains a masterpiece of anatomical precision and emotional intensity.

2. The Great Sphinx of Giza (c. 2558–2532 BC) – Giza, Egypt

The Great Sphinx is one of the oldest and largest sculptures in the world. With the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh (commonly believed to be Khafre), it stands guard on the Giza Plateau near the Great Pyramids. Carved from a single limestone ridge, the Sphinx stretches 240 feet in length and towers 66 feet in height.

Despite its age, the mystery surrounding its construction and purpose continues to captivate historians and archaeologists. Its weathered visage has endured for millennia, making it a symbol of ancient Egypt’s grandeur and enigmas.

3. Venus de Milo (c. 130–100 BC) – Louvre Museum, Paris

The Venus de Milo is one of the most celebrated examples of ancient Greek sculpture. Thought to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty (called Venus by the Romans), the statue is notable for its elegant form and missing arms — a detail that has only heightened its mystique.

Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, the sculpture is believed to have been created by Alexandros of Antioch. The flowing drapery and poised contrapposto stance are hallmarks of Hellenistic art, celebrating idealized human beauty and movement.

4. The Thinker (1880) – Musée Rodin, Paris

Created by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, The Thinker is one of the most recognizable figures in Western art. Originally conceived as part of a larger piece titled The Gates of Hell, the sculpture depicts a nude male figure seated in contemplation, muscles flexed and brow furrowed in deep thought.

Rodin’s masterpiece has come to symbolize intellectual struggle, creativity, and human introspection. Multiple casts exist around the world, but the original bronze remains at the Musée Rodin in Paris.

5. Christ the Redeemer (1931) – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Standing atop Mount Corcovado and overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer is a monumental statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, symbolizing peace and protection. Designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, it measures 98 feet tall (excluding its 26-foot pedestal) and spans 92 feet across.

As a global icon of Christianity and Brazilian identity, it was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and continues to be a pilgrimage site for millions.

6. Terracotta Army (c. 210–209 BC) – Xi’an, China

Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Army is one of the most astonishing archaeological finds of the 20th century. Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried near the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to guard him in the afterlife.

Each figure is unique, with detailed facial features, hairstyles, and uniforms representing various military ranks. This massive funerary art project reflects the emperor’s power, the scale of imperial ambitions, and the craftsmanship of ancient China.

7. Moai Statues of Easter Island (c. 1250–1500 AD) – Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile

The Moai statues are mysterious monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island. Ranging from 13 to over 30 feet in height, these stone giants are thought to represent deified ancestors or chiefs. What makes them even more fascinating is their placement — many face inland, as if watching over the island’s inhabitants.

With over 900 Moai scattered across the island, their transportation and erection continue to puzzle scholars. They remain a powerful symbol of Polynesian ingenuity and spiritual life.

8. Pieta (1498–1499) – St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Another masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pieta is a tender and haunting depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Christ after the crucifixion. Carved from a single slab of Carrara marble, the sculpture captures both the physical beauty and emotional weight of the scene.

Remarkably, Michelangelo completed the Pieta before the age of 25. It remains one of the most moving religious sculptures ever created and is the only work Michelangelo signed — a testament to the pride he took in its creation.

9. Statue of Liberty (1886) – New York City, USA

A gift from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most enduring symbols of freedom and democracy. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and constructed with the help of Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the statue stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

Holding a torch and a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence, Lady Liberty welcomed millions of immigrants arriving by sea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it continues to represent hope and opportunity for people around the world.

10. Laocoön and His Sons (c. 40–30 BC) – Vatican Museums, Vatican City

This dramatic and emotional sculpture shows the Trojan priest Laocoön and his two sons being attacked by sea serpents — a punishment sent by the gods for warning the Trojans against accepting the wooden horse from the Greeks. The piece is a masterpiece of Hellenistic art, showcasing intense emotion, dynamic movement, and anatomical precision.

Discovered in Rome in 1506, the statue deeply influenced Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo. Its expressive power and narrative complexity make it one of the most admired ancient sculptures.