A statue is a sculpture, representing one or more people or animals (including abstract concepts allegorically represented as people or animals ), free- standing (as opposed to a relief ) and normally full- length (as opposed to a bust) and at least close to life -size, or larger.
A small statue, usually small enough to be picked up, is called a statuette or figurine, while one that is more than twice life -size is called a colossal statue.
The definition of a statue is not always clear-cut; equestrian statues, of a person on a horse, are certainly included, and in many cases, such as a Madonna and Child or a Pietà, a sculpture of two people will also be.
Statues have been produced in many cultures from prehistory to the present; the oldest known statue dating to about 30,000 years ago. The world 's tallest statue, Spring Temple Buddha, is 128 metres (420 ft), and is located in Lushan County, Henan, China.
Many statues are built on commission to commemorate a historical event, or the life of an influential person. Many statues are intended as public art, exhibited outdoors or in public buildings. Some statues gain fame in their own right, separate from the person or concept they represent, as with the Statue of Liberty.
