Sculptures and Statues

A sculpture or statue may be just the thing you need to add solidity, even dignity and nobility, to your garden or home. More and more people are turning to sculpture to give that extra something to their living areas or outdoors. Of course, a sculpture or statue can be rather expensive. And if you have the money to spend, you may want to consult with an artisan who will custom build the sculpture to your specifications. But there are also ready made sculptures available that may be more pleasing to your budget and equally pleasing to your eye.

Often when we think of statues, we think of stone. And many statues are made out of stone-either marble or granite. That may be exactly what you're looking for. But you can also find some lovely statues made out of bronze. A Western horse theme in burnished bronze can look stunning. Or you can find statues in terra cotta as well. Oriental statues of Buddhas and such can look particularly appropriate in this material.

Here are some of the different kinds of sculpture and statue that you may want to consider. Look at the area where you will place the statue and try to imagine some of these suggestions filling that space.

Greek and Roman Statues

Greek and Roman statues can give a classical look to your home or garden. A Roman man in a toga or robe can stand in your entry hall to greet visitors. For a more kinetic effect, a Spartan warrior can stand guard with a sword. Greek and Roman gods and goddesses are available as well. If you don't have space on the floor, you might consider a bust-just a head and shoulders that sit on a shelf or on their own pedestal that's incorporated into the sculpture.

Religious Statues

Religious statues are also quite popular and may be what you're looking for. Perhaps a saint praying would add the piety that you seek. Or a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi opening his arms in welcome to the animals in the garden might have a devotional effect. Statues of a mother and child or of other religious figures are also often used. For a little more drama, try a guardian angel with spread wings.

Animal Statues

Statues of animals are also something to consider. From a small squirrel or bunny to a life-sized deer, you can find the size and style of animal that appeals to you. If you want both people and animals, consider a statue or a sculpture of a man riding a horse. If you want it life-sized, the cost is going to be quite high! But you can also get this kind of sculpture at half or quarter sized. It's easer to find a place to fit it as well.

Modern

There are modern designs available if you want them. Simple cubes and geometric shapes are always popular. If you don't want anything quite that abstract you can get a sculpture of a couple of faces raised on angular necks. The look is quite different from your standard Greek, Roman, or religious statue.