Another quote by my favorite sculptor Michelangelo is, “The more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows.” It seems fitting to start this gallery with the city where he had the greatest influence: Florence.
Another quote by my favorite sculptor Michelangelo is, “The more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows.” It seems fitting to start this gallery with the city where he had the greatest influence: Florence.
The centerpiece of El Panecillo is the 148 foot Virgin of Quito. The winged Madonna is standing on a chained serpent representing the devil as it tries to dominate the earth. Her halo (diadem) consists of 12 stars. The seven thousand pieces of aluminum can be seen glistening in the sun from most points in the Historic Centre of Quito. This work by Agustín de la Herrán Matorras was erected in 1976. Virgen del Panecillo is a facsimile of the religious icon on the altar of El San Francisco Church. That wooden sculpture was created by Bernardo de Legarda in 1734. This imagery depicts the Woman of the Apocalypse as described in the Book of Revelation, the last section of the New Testament.
Virgen del Panecillo, El Panecillo, Quito 170111, Ecuador
In the center of this Ptolemaic relief in the northern section of the Kom Ombo Temple, Egypt, is Horus wearing the pschent crown. As the falcon god and patron of lower Egypt, he embodied the sky, sun and moon. His eye was the symbol of protection, royal power and good health. On the left is Ta-Sent-Nefer, his companion. Her name meant “the good sister.” On the right is King Ptolemy VI, the son of Cleopatra. The temple was built from 180 to 47 BC.
Kom Ombo, Nagoa Ash Shatb, Markaz Deraw, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
The three temples of Deir el-Bahari are located near Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The most impressive is the enormous and beautiful Djeser-Djeseru or the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. She was an Egyptian pharaoh in the mid-1400s BC who dressed like a male king. Her appearance included wearing the traditional false beard. A huge ramp leads to one of the three colonnade terraces built into the side of a cliff. The entrance is guarded by this row of Osiris statues, who is the god of the afterlife. The queen was transformed into this deity when she died.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Kings Valley Rd, Qesm Al Wahat Al Khargah, New Valley Governorate, Egypt
United Kingdom’s most famous Prime Minister is Sir Winston Churchill. While in office from 1940 until 1945, he led Britain’s resistance against Nazi Germany until the end of World War II. But his very long political career began in 1900 as a Member of Parliament. He was also the Secretary of State for War and Air after WWI, the Minister of Defence in the early 1950’s and the Prime Minister again from 1951 – 1955. This bronze statue by sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones was erected in Parliament Square in 1973. It is fitting Churchill’s likeness watches over the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX, UK
When Constantius I died in Eboracum (the Roman predecessor to York) in 306 A.D., his son was declared to be Augustus, the new Roman emperor. Constantine the Great was a spectacular military leader throughout his reign ending in 337. He was also the first emperor to embrace Christianity, a significant reversal of the bloody religious persecution by Emperor Diocletian who died in 305. This statue of the Emperor Constantine by Phillip Jackson was gifted by the York Civic Trust in 1998. It is positioned near the south entrance of York Minster. Interestingly, a bust of Constantine I was found while excavating Stonegate in York. Historians believe it dates from the early 4th century.
Precentor’s Ct, York YO1 7HH, UK
These are two of four massive granite statues flanking the entrance of Helsinki Central Railway Station. The “Stone Men” hold spherical lanterns that are lit at night. They are the work of a Finnish sculptor named Emil Wikström. He was a prolific and influential sculptor of monuments throughout Finland during the first half of the 20th century. Many of his works were inspired by local mythology and heritage.
Helsingin päärautatieasema Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Adorning the four corners of the Pont Alexandre III bridge are 55 foot, concrete pillars that are topped with golden statues called the Fame of Sciences, Arts, Commerce and Industry. Below each is a statue representing an important period in French history, like this one on the Seine’s south bank by Laurent Marqueste which represents Louis XIV’s France. It is beautiful but also functional: these pillars are counterweights for the bridge.
3336 Pont Alexandre III, 75007 Paris, France
Potsdamer Platz has been a historically significant square in Berlin, Germany, since it emerged as a trading post in 1685. In 1823, it was adorned by the Potsdam Gate, in 1838 it became a major railroad terminal, and by the 1920s it became the city’s heart similar to Times Square. But by 1933, it was the government center for Hitler’s Nazi Party so was reduced to rubble during WWII. When the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, it became the “dead zone” between East and West Germany. However, after 1990, it witnessed a major rebuilding boom that now attracts 70,000 visitors a day. Surrounding the area is street art, like this red lips sculpture that was wet from a recent rain.
Potsdamer Platz, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Watch for a staircase in Palace Square below the 164 foot Baroque tower of the courthouse. Make the climb. You will not want to miss what is in store for you at the top: Brühl’s Terrace. Along the way, you will be greeted by a group of statues named Vier Tageszeiten. This means Four Times a Day. The ensemble was created in 1868 by sculptor Johannes Schilling. In the foreground is the allegory for The Night. The woman comforts her resting child while Morpheus, the winged god of sleep and dreams, whispers in her ear.
Schloßplatz, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Waldemar Otto is a prolific and contemporary German sculptor best known for his stylistic human figures. He would probably be amused that someone wrapped a scarf around his gull on a cold spring day. The seagull stands on a long post in the center of Sea Gull’s Fountain. The fountain is surrounded by four sculptures of water gods. Möwenbrunnen was erected at Neuer Markt in 2001. In the background are two steeples of St. Mary’s Church.
Neuer Markt 18055 Rostock, Germany
This statue by sculptor John Doubleday was erected in 2005 on the 200th anniversary of the death of Horatio Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar. Vice Admiral Nelson was a British officer in the Royal Navy. During his command of battles in the American Revolution, French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, he gained the respect from his countrymen, servicemen and enemies while becoming one of Britain’s most celebrated military heroes. Part of the metal used to cast this memorial came from the HMS Victory, the ship he was commanding when he died. The tribute stands in front of the South Bastion. The Spanish called it the Bastion of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was built in the mid-16th century as part of the Charles V Wall and later enhanced by the British.
Horatio Nelson Statue, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
This bronze statue of a woman grasping the world in her palm is part of a tribute called Aspiration. It was dedicated in 2009 to Caymanian women who have accomplished great things through their strength and determination. It also lists the names of over 350 women who signed a petition in 1957 for equality in voting. Hopefully, the monument also serves as an inspiration for younger women.
Edward St & Fort St George Town, Cayman Islands
Before leaving the Acropolis, make sure to visit the archeological museum. The institution contains more than 3,000 artifacts displayed on three floors. The relicts reflect over 2,500 years of Athenian life, culture and religion. Before entering the Acropolis Museum, you will be greeted by the Owl of Athena. The three foot marble statue dates from the 5th century BC. The sacred owl was a constant companion of the virgin goddess and came to symbolize her infinite wisdom, judgement and insight. The Athenian Owl was the first double-sided coin minted over 2,400 years ago. It gave rise to the expression heads (Athena) or tails (her owl). The owl is also the symbol of Athens.
Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece
Meet Dromeas, also called “The Runner,” who is a 30 foot statue made from stacked plates of glass that connote speed. It was created in 1994 by Greek sculpture Costas Varotsos and stands in the Hilton square on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue in Athens, Greece.
Pl. Megalis tou Genous Scholis, Athina 115 21, Greece
From 480 to 450 BC, Greek sculptors created lifelike statues engaged in an activity versus a stoic pose. One of the best examples of this short-lived Severe style is the Charioteer of Delphi. The 5’ 11” bronze artwork captures the moment when the victor of the chariot race receives the crowd’s adulation. The reins he is clutching were originally connected to four horses in front of his chariot. This 470 BC statue is so important that it is displayed in a dedicated room in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece
This statue at the Carenage harbor recognizes the fate of the Bianca C. The Italian luxury cruise ship is often referred to as the Titanic of the Caribbean. In the very early morning of October 22, 1961, while the ship was anchored at St. George’s, a major explosion occurred in the boiler room. Local residents quickly manned their fishing boats to rescue nearly 700 passengers and crew (only one died). They created a makeshift hospital to care for the injured while welcoming others into their homes. The ship sunk two days later near Grand Anse Beach. In appreciation for the heroic efforts of the Grenadians, Costa Line gifted this statue named Christ of the Deep. The bronze is a replica of the Christ of the Abyss statue located underwater in the Mediterranean Sea near Genoa, Italy. Artist Guido Galletti created the original.
Christ of the Deep, Wharf Road, St. George's, Grenada
This statue is a tribute to the most revered Franciscan in Guatemala’s history: Brother Pedro. Born in the Canary Islands in 1626, he arrived in Antigua in 1650 and studied to become a Jesuit but failed. He assumed the name Peter of Saint Joseph when he joined the Franciscans. Then he became committed to the tireless service of the hungry, sick, desolate, poor and prisoners. Hermano Pedro de San José Betancur would later be called St. Francis of Assisi of the Americas. In 2002, the Catholic church canonized him as Guatemala’s first saint. His tomb is in Vera Cruz Chapel at the north end of San Francisco Church. The shrine is frequently visited by locals. It is also a popular pilgrimage for people across Guatemala and Central America.
Jardín del Santo Hermano Pedro, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
From October through December, 1944, The Arrow Cross Party killed 38,000 Hungarians and sent 80,000 into slave labor or death camps. When 200 Jews resisted in January of 1945, they were handcuffed in twos, led to the Danube River, told to remove their shoes and then were shot and floated away. The 60 pairs of bronze shoes on the Danube Promenade are a Holocaust Memorial to that event in Budapest. They were sculpted by Gyula Pauer in 2005.
Budapest, Széchenyi rkp. 8, 1054 Hungary
You are awed by the size of Hungary’s largest church in Esztergom which stands 328 feet with eight, 72 foot Corinthian columns supporting the portico. Its formal name is Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven and St. Adalbert. Before entering, there are statues in alcoves, including this one. I assume he is Stephen I, who was born in Esztergom, became the first King of Hungary in 1000 AD, built the first cathedral on this Castle Hill site in 1010, and was canonized in 1083.
Esztergom, Szent István tér 1, 2500 Hungary
While walking along the Sæbraut coastal road, the abstract outline of a Viking ship grabs your attention. The Sun Voyager was created in 1990 by Jón Gunnar Arnason. He claims the stainless-steel sculpture represents a dreamboat of ancient navigators who followed the sun to discover new worlds. Yet its Icelandic name of Sólfar means Viking Funeral.
Skúlagata & Vatnsstígur, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
There are over 1,250 sculptures outside and inside of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This ensemble is five of them on the western façade. They are called the Wise Virgins, representing those who are prepared for Judgement Day. Many of these works were carved by Thomas Nicholls. He is the same 19th century sculptor who adorned the Cardiff Castle, created the first phase of the Animal Wall in Cardiff plus decorated Castell Coch in Wales. All of these works are shown on this website.
6 Bishop St, The Lough, Cork, Ireland
Dating back to 1809, the centerpiece of a city-center boulevard now called O’Connell Street was the Nelson’s Pillar. The monument to Horatio Nelson, a vice admiral in the Royal Navy, was destroyed by the Irish republicans in 1966. In 2003, the Spire of Dublin was completed in the same location. This 398 foot, stainless steel Monument of Light is considered to be the world’s tallest sculpture.
69 O'Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, Ireland
In 1167, Dermot MacMurrough was overthrown as the King of Leinster. In retaliation, he recruited mercenaries to reclaim his title. The leader of the Norman invasion was this distinguished medieval knight wearing a nasal helmet. His name was Richard de Clare, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. He was commonly called Strongbow. This bronze statue, along with one of his wife, was sculpted by Eithne Ring. They sit together on their thrones in front of the Christ Church Cathedral.
1 Cathedral Square, Waterford, Ireland
Michelangelo’s David was completed in 1504 and placed in the Palazzo della Signoria square in Florence, Italy. However, when the Medici family returned to power in 1512 and again in 1530, they commissioned Baccio Bandinelli to sculpt from Carrara marble this statue of Hercules after killing the giant Vulcan Cacus. It clearly symbolized the House of Medici victory and still stands in the Piazza della Signoria. Medici were a royal family in the late 14th and 15th century that rose to power in Florence and later produced four Catholic Popes.
PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA, 50122 FIRENZE FI, ITALY
The interior of Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran was extensively renovated by Francesco Borromini for the Jubilee of 1650. Part of his design included enormous niches in the nave. They remained empty until 1718 when filled with the Twelve Apostles. Each statue is 15 feet tall. They were carved by seven of the greatest sculptors of the time. This is Saint Paul, sculpted in 1708 by Pierre-Étienne Monnot. The artist also created the likeness of Saint Peter.
Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
In the courtyard of Palazzo dei Conservatori, which is one of the Capitoline Museums, are a few remaining body parts from a 40 foot statue called Colossus of Constantine. Displayed alongside the head of Roman Emperor Constantine I is his right hand with its index finger pointed up in the classic “Number 1” position. Curiously, there is no left hand but two right hands. The marble sculpture dates back to 315 AD.
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
A close inspection of the clock held by the gilded Marina statue shows the hands at 5:46. They have remained steadfast since the Yuki Shintani building collapsed and this clock was broken on the morning of January 17, 1995. That date is when the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake struck the nearby island of Awaji yet killed the most people at Kobe. The memorial is part of Higashi-Yuenchi Park. Towering behind it is Kobe City Hall. The 433 foot building offers a free observation deck on the 24th floor providing panoramic views of the city and harbor.
6 Chome-5 Kanōchō, Chūō-ku, Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken 650-0001, Japan
There are numerous fox sculptures at Fushimi Inari Taisha because the shrine is dedicated to the Japanese deity (kami) Inari and the fox is considered to be his messenger. Inari’s foxes (kitsune) are patrons of several things, including tea, agriculture/harvest, industry and prosperity. This fox holds the key to a rice granary in its mouth. The animal was first worshipped at this shrine in the early 8th century.
Japan, 〒612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho
Most foreigners know little about Nagasaki except its tragedy as the second – and fortunately the last – city to suffer from an atomic bomb. So visitors are drawn to the free Nagasaki Peace Park. After riding an escalator from Route 206 to the top of Nagasaki Peace Hill, they first see the Fountain of Peace. The open greenspace is then accented by statues and monuments encircling the foundation of a former prison decimated by the explosion. At the north end is this 32 foot Peace Statue by Seibo Kitamura. The raised hand represents the ongoing threat of nuclear war. The horizontal left hand symbolizes peace. The closed eyes indicate a prayer for Nagasaki’s victims.
9 Matsuyamamachi, Nagasaki, 852-8118, Japan
Whoever wrote the words, “Love strikes when you least expect it” was maybe a victim of this ambushing cupid. The life-size bronze statue of the Greek god of desire is poised with a bow and arrow while peering around the corner. Clearly he is drumming up business for the attached Ginza jewelry store named Tenshodo.
4 Chome-4, Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
I took a lot of photos inside the Pak Ou Caves in order to convey what several thousand Buddhist statues looks like within the confines of a limestone cliff. But my favorite turned out to be this one silhouette near the cave’s entrance. I thank my son for pointing out the shot. I was so overwhelmed by all the statues that I would have missed this one.
Pak Ou Caves, Pak Ou, Laos
These three gilded statues are in a grotto at Wat Tham Phousi in Luang Prabang, Laos. From left to right they are the Contemplation Buddha, the Happy Buddha and the seated Buddha is in the meditation pose. Lao Buddha statues often have three unique characteristics compared to those in other countries: the style of their hair, no Uma (third eye) and longer earlobes.
Wat Tham Phousi, Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang, Laos
This tall statue guarding Wat Chaiyamangkalaram is a deva or devatā. In Thailand, these mythical creatures are called yakshas or yaks. They have been guardians of Buddhist temples since the 14th century. Their green face, protruding eyes, white fangs and ever-ready sword are meant to frighten away evil.
17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
These fifteen shadowy figures at the top of a grassy, windswept hill are marching blindly towards the sea. The eight-foot concrete statues by Laurent Valére are a memorial to the 42 slaves who drowned in 1830 while chained to a cargo hall as their ship smashed into nearby Diamond Rock Mountain. The Anse Caffard Memorial, also called Cap 110, was erected near Le Diamant on the 150th anniversary of the emancipation of slavery.
Cap 110 Route de l'anse Caffard, Le Diamant, Martinique
This damsel wearing a wide brim hat and feather boa caught my eye. She is a Day of the Dead figurine. They are used on November 1 and 2 during a Mexican holiday called Dia de los Muertos. The celebration honors deceased family members. Some believe these skeletal statues provide good luck. I believe it is a portrait of a college girl leaving a night club after last call.
Blvd Marina Loc F 13, 14 y 15, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Snake head sculptures are such a common visual at Chichen Itza – like these at the base of The Ossuary’s southern staircase – that they deserve more explanation. They represent Kukulkan, the Mayan snake god. He was known as the War Serpent (Waxaklahun Ubah Kan) during the Classic period (250 – 950 AD). Later he was referred to as the Vision Serpent and acted as a messenger between the ruler and the heavens. Belief of the deity began in Chichen Itza and then spread across Mesoamerica as a religious cult. Some experts believe the origin for the personified version of Kukulkan may represent a Chichen Itza ruler from the 10th century. According to folklore, Kukulkan was capable of flying across the earth and as high as the sun.
Chichen Itza Parking Lot, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, México
Several souvenir shops and bars in San Miguel sell cigars as do kiosk merchants and shady guys at beaches. Travel sites and reviews often caution smoking aficionados about buying cigars in Cozumel, particularly the high-end, Cuban brands. Apparently most are fakes. Perhaps that is why this bulldog in front of a retail store looks so unhappy. Maybe it is better to travel the 350 extra miles to Havana.
A Spanish crew was shipwrecked off the Yucatán Peninsula coast in 1511. Of the 15 sailors enslaved by the Mayans, only two survived. The figure holding the spear is a tribute to one of them: Gonzalo Guerrero. He embraced the Mayan culture, married a princess named Zazil Ha and had three children. They were the first mestizos, a mix of European and Amerindian. Guerrero died in 1536 while defending against the Spanish. This Monument of Two Cultures is along the waterfront on Avenue Rafael Melgar.
Av. Rafael E. Melgar & Antonio González Fernández, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
Many Mexican souvenir stores are not worth visiting unless they offer free air-conditioning. One store along La Quinta Avenida is a delightful exception. Sin PeÇado means “without sin.” The boutique offers an array of unique crafts. Just watch for this colorful female mannequin above their door. Look closer to discover the religious faces painted on her wings.
Calle Quinta Avenida, Sin Pecado, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, QROO, Mexico
This elegant bronze sculpture of a man and woman clasping hands as their bodies form a 52.5 foot high arch is named Portal Maya. The public artwork by Arturo Taravez is located at Parque Los Fundadores (Founding Fathers Park) facing the sea. It is a tribute to the Mayan communities that dotted the Yucatán Peninsula before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century. The rings represent traditional ones found on ballcourts at Mayan archeological sites. Etched on the statue is the date December 21st, 2012. This marked the end of the 5,126 year Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar developed by the Mayans.
Portal Maya, Av Benito Juárez 251, Centro, Playa del Carmen, QROO, Mexico
In August, 1962, artists Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced the world to teenager Peter Parker and his crime-fighting abilities as Spider-Man. Since his debut in that “Amazing Fantasy” issue, this red-masked superhero has gone on to be super popular in films, a TV series, comic books and newspaper funny pages. He is the commercial delight of Marvel Comics, children and adults who want to cling on to their youth. This statue was at a resort along the Riviera Maya, Mexico. It was part of a program for kids.
Bahia Principe Paradise in Luxury Villa Carretera Federal Chetumal – Benito Juárez km. 250 E6, 77750 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
This is a sun calendar used by the Aztecs to measure days, months and cosmic cycles. In the center is the face of Tonatiuh who was the mythological deity of the sun. This carving resembles one discovered in Mexico City in 1790. That major archeological find, which is named the “Sun Stone,” weighs 24 tons.
AV. Tulum, Region 1, MZA01, Lote 02,, Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Water is a prominent feature in the Het Loo Palace gardens. There are reflecting pools, spouting architectural elements and several fountains. In the center of the Lower Garden is the Venus Fountain. How appropriate! She is the goddess of gardens and love and an obvious tribute to Queen Mary II. Below the statue’s feet are gilded mermen. The half-man, half-fish tritons are depicted blowing conch shells to calm the seas.
Koninklijk Park 1, 7315 JA Apeldoorn, Netherlands
According to an ancient Māori legend, Pania was a local maiden who married a chieftain named Karitoki. She gave birth to a hairless son named Maremate. Pania was lured by siren voices to swim across the bay. She met her demise when Moana-nui-a-kiwa, the lord of the sea, converted her into an underwater reef at Napier Breakwater. This bronze statue located at Marine Parade Gardens was a gift of the Thirty Thousand Club in 1954. The facial likeness of Māori college student Mei Robin has become a treasured landmark in Napier.
56 Marine Parade, Napier 4110, New Zealand