Speaking of which is the most famous sculpture in the world, it is impossible to specify. The fact is that throughout the history of mankind there have been many geniuses, each of whom left his mark. But there are statues that delight people for more than one century. They deserve attention.
Sculptures of famous sculptors are usually kept in museums. Some of them remain in the place where the author built them. And the smallest part is in private collections. In fact, they should not be someone else's, as they represent a world heritage. And everyone who wants to look at them must have access to it.
Venus Capitoline
The most famous sculpture in the world, which was created millennia ago, is Venus Capitol. It is made of marble in the 2nd century. Its prototype is the statue of Aphrodite, which was created in the 4th century BC.
It depicts a woman covering her nudity with her hands. The sculptor managed to convey all the embarrassment experienced by the model (if there was one). Therefore, it is also called the "humble Venus." Next to the woman is a vessel on which her robe is folded.
The sculpture was found quite late in 1667. Then in 1754, the Pope donated it to the Capitol Museum. There is a widespread belief that it is this statue of Venus that is considered the most beloved, since it fully reflects its grace, elegance and beauty.
David Donatello
The most famous sculpture in the world, the creation of which dates from the Renaissance, is David, made by the master Donatello. She gained her popularity pretty quickly. This is due to the fact that in the Renaissance it was the first nude statue.
The sculpture is made of marble, it depicts a young man holding a sword in his hand. Under his feet, the head of Goliath is visible. But the elaborate pose shows the mockery of the author. And David does not hold his weapon at all like a warrior. He is leaning on him like a cane.
Starting with the sculpture in question, the work of Donatello acquired certain features. Then he created sculptures only in his own style, where there was a certain homogeneity and gothic. Subsequent creations of the author were also popular, but it was David who caused a stir among lovers and critics. Therefore, it can be considered a masterpiece of Donatello.
Risen and dying slaves of Michelangelo
The great Michelangelo did not leave mankind without masterpieces. His most famous sculpture is the Dying Slave. However, before the creator set about sculpting, he did a lot of work.
In 1505, Michelangelo began his new project - the creation of the tomb of Pope Julius II. Initially, he planned to decorate the mausoleum with too many statues (about 40), but his plans were not destined to come true. The work was long (until 1545), but there were much fewer sculptures, and only three have survived to this day. The basis of the tomb is the powerful Moses, who had a titanic power and temperament.
Two slaves were to be placed on either side of her. The first, rebel, which depicts the desire of a young and strong young man to break his bonds. The second is a dying slave. In this case, the young man just helplessly hung in his bonds.
Of these two statues, it is impossible to single out any one. They are both beautiful.
Voltaire Jean Baptiste Pigalle
The list of "most famous sculptures of the world" must include Naked Voltaire. It was created by Jean Baptiste Pigalle, and he caused too much hype around him.
Firstly, the sculpture looked too realistic. For that time (1776) it was a real challenge to critics. This sculptural portrait Pigalle created for 6 years. At first he performed the body; an old soldier became his model. Then, from the bust, he transferred his face.
Secondly, the statue did not display absolutely no beauty and sophistication. It depicts a flabby old body with saggy skin, and a mocking and ironic smile adorns the face.
When the sculpture was exhibited at the Paris Salon, high society refused to accept it, a huge scandal arose. The wizard forgot about the work. Only in the 20th century she was remembered, and the masterpiece was given its due - Pigalle was appreciated.
Falcons Bronze Horseman
If we recall the most famous sculptures of Russia, then the Bronze Horseman will come first . In general, this is a monument to Peter I. But thanks to the work of Pushkin, he is known under a different name. It was created by three French sculptors, whose head was the Falcons. At the end of the work, he gouged out on a statue in Latin the words that the monument is his brainchild.
In total, the sculpture was created over 15 years. According to the author’s plan, she was supposed to reflect the power of the Russian emperor over nature and history, his will and talent as a reformer. I must say that it was possible.
A unique feature of the Bronze Horseman is that it was fully cast, so it is impossible to find joints or welds on its surface. And also the rock on which it stands is the largest monolith ever moved by man.
Today, everyone can look at the Bronze Horseman, which is located next to St. Isaac's Cathedral.
The Thinker of Rodin
The most famous sculpture of Rodin, as well as the most recognizable, is located in the museum of the same name in Paris. This is the popular Thinker. The author was inspired by the Divine Comedy. Accordingly, if not for the talented Dante, then the "Thinker" would not exist.
In 1880, Roden received an order for a large-scale work called “The Gates of Hell”. According to his plan, it will include several separate sculptures. The project itself was to adorn the entrance to the museum. But the work was not finished. However, Rodin decided to enlarge some of the statues and present them to the world individually.
So the Thinker appeared. The sculpture depicts a man who froze in a sitting pose on a stone. His stubborn thought process is literally visible to everyone who looks at him - the author was so reliably able to convey the emotional color.
Chicago and Picasso
If we consider large-scale and well-known sculptures of the world, then we cannot ignore the one that did not even get a name. It is installed in Chicago and is a kind of gift to this city from the master of Picasso. By the way, its name just sounds like “anonymous sculpture”.
In 1963, an American company ordered models of the statue from Picasso, which were ready in 2 years. After the approval of the project, construction began. He was financed by two charitable companies, the whole process cost 352 thousand dollars. The weight of the structure is 162 tons, and the height is just over 15 meters.
The sculptor himself was offered 100 thousand dollars for planning and processing the project. However, Picasso refused, he insisted that he wanted to give this design to the city.
Two forms of Henry Moore
Perhaps the most famous sculpture in the world by Henry Moore is his “Two Forms”. It was completed in 1936. Moore himself is a British sculptor who is uniquely the greatest master of the 20th century.
"Two forms" are considered a descendant of "Kiss." However, they are more elegant, they show notes of modernity, or, as the creator himself called it, of the “new aesthetics”.
The sculpture is named perfectly, because it really embodied two forms. It seems like they complement each other. But also they will not be meaningless if we consider each form separately. This is the whole of Henry, from him, too, blows mystery, estrangement, as well as from all his works.
Unfortunately, there are no Moore works in Russian museums, however, exhibitions are often held here. Therefore, it is still possible to get acquainted with his art and technique.
Conclusion
All famous sculptures and their authors differ from each other. But only one thing can be said for sure about each of them. All of them gave the world a lot of new things. Art has always existed. Moreover, many talented masters were not accepted at the time. Their masterpieces had to wait a century to glorify the creator. But in any case, the sculpture always found its audience, its recognition.
Not all famous sculptures are listed here. Photos of many masterpieces can be seen on thematic sites. However, they are not able to reflect all that sophistication and beauty that the sculptors wanted to convey to the people. Therefore, if it is possible to touch the beautiful, then you should use it and look live at the sculptures of talented artists.