What Is Traditional Sculpture?

Traditional sculpture is all around us--in parks, libraries, court houses, cathedrals, on edifices of buildings and in museums. There are even images of sculptures on our currency. Traditional sculpture is easily recognized by its conservative design and representational appearance.

Definition

Traditional sculpture, although not an official category of art that is recognized as such by art scholars, is sculpture that was created in a style consistent with pre-modern art.

Description

Traditionally, the role of sculpture was to convey meaning through direct representation. Sculpture was made to influence large audiences through beauty and carefully chosen, clearly rendered subject matter. Expression was achieved through content choices rather than method. In short, sculpture was made as realistically as possible.

Political and Governmental Uses

A classic example of traditional sculpture are the statues of political figures and personified ideals found in public squares, parks and government buildings. These monuments were created to honor important leaders, memorialize military victories and convey government ideals. Equestrian statues, triumphal arcs and even reliefs on coins are common examples of traditional government sculpture.

Religious Functions

Statues of gods and saints are commonly used in religious iconography. Churches, temples and altars were often decorated with sculptures to convey meaning, uplift spirits and give worshipers a central focus during prayer. Sculpture is often used less directly, but just as intentionally, to impress upon audiences the power and influence of the agency or organization that commissioned it. This is true with religious and government art.

Materials

Traditional sculpture was created from many mediums: stone, wood, clay, bronze, gold and iron were all utilized.