Sphinx (1947) by Eliot ElisofonLIFE Photo Collection
Humans have long been obsessed with making sculptures and statues, either to depict gods or great citizens, or simply for the sake of art and beauty. But some structures are truly epic in scale, prizing size and dimension above all else. Let's take a closer look in 3D.
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty - New York, USA
The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and sits on Liberty Island, Manhattan. This universal symbol of liberty has guarded New York's bay for more than a century and is emblematic of the freedoms treasured in the USA.
The idea was to create a commemorative monument for the American Declaration of Independence’s anniversary (1776-1886). It is made using 300 copper sheets, each around 1 to 3 millimetres thick, fastened together to create the outer skin.
Mount Rushmore by CyArkCyArk
Mount Rushmore - South Dakota, USA
Equally emblematic of the large scale of the ideas that drove the founding of the USA, Mount Rushmore features the faces of four presidents carved out of the stone by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Can you name all four?
They are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Construction started in 1927 and was completed in 1941. It remains one of the most recognisable sculptures in the world.
Giant sculptures and statues have been a feature of civilisations old and new, all around the world.
Christ the Redeemer
Chris the Redeemer - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Another highly visible and iconic statue that stands overlooking the city of Rio in Brazil. The statue was originally conceived as a reminder of the country's catholic heritage but has come to be seen more as a symbol of peace by a diverse population.
Designed in an art deco style, it stands 30 metres high (38 with the pedestal) and sits atop the Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city. Local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and artist Carlos Oswald designed the statue but French sculptor Paul Landowski created the iconic work.
Carving out of stone offers a permanence that few other materials can offer.
Statue Of Liberty (2005-07-18) by Margaret Bourke-WhiteLIFE Photo Collection
Want more Liberty?
Then you can learn all about the construction of this iconic statue here.
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