Top 5 Most Famous Historical Sculptures

This iconic sculpture is one of the most famous works of Renaissance art, created between 1501 and 1504 in Florence, Italy. The statue depicts the biblical hero David moments before he confronts Goliath, showcasing Michelangelo's mastery of marble. Over 4 million visitors per year view the statue at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, where it is on permanent display. The original statue was later moved to the Louvre Museum in Paris for safekeeping during World War II. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture and has had a profound influence on Western art.

This ancient Greek statue dates back to around 130-100 BCE, created by an unknown artist from the island of Milos. The statue depicts the goddess Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology) in a contrapposto pose, showcasing the ideal proportions of the female form. The original statue's arms were later discovered separately, leading to questions about the statue's origins and purpose. Today, the Venus de Milo is housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it attracts millions of visitors each year. It is one of the most recognizable works of art from ancient Greece.

This colossal neoclassical sculpture was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel between 1875 and 1886 in Paris, France. The statue was a gift to the United States from the people of France and has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. At 93 meters (305 feet) tall, the Statue of Liberty is one of the tallest sculptures in the world. It features a unique copper exterior that oxidizes over time to create a distinctive green patina.

This ancient Greek sculpture dates back to around 190-180 BCE and was discovered on the Greek island of Samothrace in 1863. The statue depicts Nike, the goddess of victory, standing proudly with her wings outstretched, symbolizing triumph and glory. Over 250,000 visitors per year view the statue at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it is one of the museum's most prized possessions. The original sculpture was completed on three separate blocks that were later reassembled.

This Renaissance sculpture dates back to around 1498-1500 and was created by Michelangelo for St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. The statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, showcasing Michelangelo's mastery of emotional expression and dramatic movement. Over 1 million visitors per year view the Pietà at the Vatican Museums in Rome, where it is considered one of the greatest works of Renaissance sculpture. Its unique design has influenced countless artists throughout history, from Raphael to Bernini.