How statues combined art and religion throughout history

CAIRO – 15 November 2017: Throughout history, many leading sculptors have produced statues that connect religious spirituality to creativity. Egypt Today lists down the most famous art monuments and statues around the world that were of religious value.

‘Christ the Redeemer’ in Brazil

With arms wide open, ‘Christ the Redeemer’ stands in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, where it was constructed between 1922 and 1932 by French sculptor Paul Landowski and designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. Made from soapstone, the statue stands 30 meters tall and weighs 1,000 tons, symbolizing Christianity in Brazil. It was listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.


Christ the Redeemers Statue - Photo Courtesy: Archive

‘David Statue’ – Italy

Sculpted by the legendary artist Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504, the ‘David Statue’ was created from marble and dedicated to the biblical hero David standing.
Located at Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze [Gallery of the Academy of Florence], the statue defines the features of Renaissance France and Italy.


David Statue - Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

‘Virgin Mary Statue’ – France

In 2011, the statue of Jesus’ mother Virgin Mary stood in a public park overlooking Lake Geneva in eastern France. However, in 2016, the court ordered removal of the statue as an implication of France’s policy forbidding the exhibition of any religious signs publically.


Virgin Mary Statue - Photo Courtesy: Archive

‘Moses Statue’ – Italy

Another artistic work by Michelangelo ‘Moses Statue’ was constructed between 1513 and 1515 and is currently housed at San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome.
Michelangelo depended on the passages of Exodus in an old translation of the bible.


Moses Statue - Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia