Famous Sculpture: 5 Classic Sculptures You Should Know

Classical sculpture has moved through the centuries with the ease of a cloud floating across the sky.  From antiquity to the 19^th century, the invariable rules of classical sculpture have influenced generations of artists, from painted portraits to hyper-realistic sculpture. Today, Artsper invites you to discover or perhaps revisit famous sculpture by artists who have marked the history of art.

1. The Doryphorus by Polyclète

As one of the most famous sculptures in the world, The Doryphorus has made a considerable impression in the history of art. And for good reason: this sculpture exemplifies all the artistic rules put forward in Polyclitus’s treaty on art. By producing this work, both theoretical and practical, Polyclitus laid the foundations of classical art. The exploitation of his work lies in its perfect proportions and its glorification of the human form. A true masterpiece, this famous sculpture was, and still is, used throughout the world as a model of technical perfection.

2. The famous sculpture David by Michelangelo

As perhaps the most well-known sculptor, painter and architect, Michelangelo’s works are world renowned. Among his countless masterpieces, the colossal statue of David is the best-known representation of this biblical figure. A famous sculpture for its size, it is made of marble and is 5.17 meters high. “Unscaleable” for other sculptors of the time, the single piece of white marble used by Michelangelo only supports his technical genius. This statue quickly became an emblematic figure of the Renaissance, now on display at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy.

3. Le Baiser by Auguste Rodin

Despite his traditional classic training, Auguste Rodin took a new approach to the idealization of the human body. Among his famous sculptures, Le Baiser depicts a nude couple languidly embracing. This statue was originally intended to be part of his monumental work The Gates of Hell. However, its sensual, dynamic and joyful dimension led it to become a work in its own right. This work also has two additional meanings: one autobiographical, the other allegorical. At that time, Rodin and Claudel had an intense love affair, and this theme was evident in their respective creations. A dialogue “by interposed statues” was established between the two artists. If Le Baiser is still so famous today, it’s because this sculpture is a perfect allegory of love’s desires. A universal symbol, this sculpture has the power to evoke passion across borders and centuries.

4. L’Abandon of Camille Claudel

First a student, then a practitioner and close collaborator of Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel revealed her singular talent with L’Abandon. This more than life-size sculpture is inspired by a poem by Kalidasa, ancient India’s greatest poet. The two characters, Sakountala and Douchmanta, who were madly in love, were separated by an evil spell. Immediately acclaimed by art critics of the time, this famous sculpture goes beyond its initial subject. Through an impeccable classical style and a remarkable sensitivity, Camille Claudel speaks of the impermanence of love. A feeling whose movements, nuances and varied facets are as delectable as they are sharp. This work has left such a mark on history because of its universal and authentic character. As an allegory of the ambivalence of love with its delicacy, violence, audacity and modesty, it remains a timeless classic.

5. The Odalisque, a famous sculpture by James Pradier

Between respect for classical norms and innovative representation, this sculpture explores a new take on the female nude. Perfection of features and polish of marble are completely in keeping with classical sculptors. Yet the dynamic posture of the woman, sitting on the ground, breaks with classical codes. Contrary to the classical works of the time, this statue represents a woman of multiple facets. She is strong and sensual, idealized and realistic, humble yet powerful.

The future of sculpture?

Since the dawn of time, painting and sculpture have been in conversation with each other like an infinite ongoing dialogue. Somewhat in competition, they make us question: which is the most noble? Which offers the most creativity? Which should be glorified? If graphic art is transforming, especially with the advent of digital art and NFTs, then so is sculpture. 3D printing, assembly of heterogeneous objects and digital sculpture offer us today an almost limitless field of possibilities. And for you, which artistic movement in sculpture is the best?