List of colossal sculptures in situ

A colossal statue is one that is more than twice life-size.[1] This is a list of colossal statues and other sculptures that were created, mostly or all carved, and remain in situ. This list includes two colossal stones that were intended to be moved. However, they were never broken free of the quarry in which they were carved, and therefore they would be considered carved in situ. Most of these were carved in ancient times.

The Lion Monument, an in situ sculpture in Lucerne, Switzerland

In many cases, especially in India, these sculptures were carved out of softer rocks like sandstone or volcanic tuff. However, in some cases they were carved out of harder rocks like basalt, or even granite in the case of the unfinished obelisk in Egypt. The Egyptians may have been limited to using 4.5-kilogram (10-pound) dolerite balls to chip away at the granite.[2] Dynamite was used in the carving of Mount Rushmore's Shrine of Democracy, one of the few colossal sculptures that was carved out of granite.

Africa edit

Egypt edit

Ethiopia edit

Asia edit

Afghanistan edit

Armenia edit

China edit

India edit

Iran edit

Jordan edit

Lebanon edit

Saudi Arabia edit

Sri Lanka edit

Turkey edit

Americas edit

Colombia edit

Ecuador edit

Peru edit

United States edit

Europe edit

Bulgaria edit

Czech Republic edit

Greece edit

Italy edit

Poland edit

Romania edit

Switzerland edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Collins online dictionary: Colossal "2. (in figure sculpture) approximately twice life-size."; entry in the Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus® Online
  2. ^ Edwards, Dr. I.E.S.: The Pyramids of Egypt 1986/1947 p. 269-273
  3. ^ Archeology magazine Jan/Feb 2008 p. 40-45
  4. ^ The Early Ceremonial Center of Chavín de Huántar, Berger p. 130