The famous French painter, Claude Monet, has once said that his garden was his most beautiful masterpiece. ‘All my money goes into my garden’, he said, and added ‘I am in raptures’. Monet’s masterpiece overflows with simple and rare plant varieties melded in harmony. However, what makes this garden stand out isn’t solely flowers, but rather other strategically placed elements such as the iron arches, the Japanese bridge, the water pond etc that add to the visual appeal.
The secret to beautiful outdoor spaces is incorporating various design elements to create a harmonious yet diverse setting that captures the eye of the beholder. Now, you won’t have to build a Japanese bridge or dig a pond in your garden to achieve this. There are other much simpler ways you can create focal points and add visual interest. One of them is incorporating three-dimensional features such as outdoor statues and sculptures into the design.
Types of Outdoor Sculptures and Their Purpose
Sculptural elements have long been used in landscape design for various purposes. They can generate focus, create rhythm, spike interest, form cohesion and unity between the indoors and the outdoors and much more. Of course, you can also use statues to express your authenticity and love for fine art.
What’s best about outdoor statues and sculptures is that they grace the outdoors throughout the whole year without being a hassle. They don’t need trimming, pruning, cutting or watering, you just place them where you want and enjoy them for long years down the line.
When it comes to statuary art, we can make a distinction between abstract and figurative works. Abstract sculptures have unique shapes and symbolic meanings and they often find their place in modern and contemporary gardens. Figurative sculptures, on the other hand, are more common since they represent forms derived from life which makes them easier to understand and interpret. Some of the most popular figurative works are inspired by the art of ancient Greece.
Expressing Your Top-Tier Taste in Art Through Classical Greek Statues
Art and gardens are two peas in a pod. By combining nature’s beauty with human talent and creative expression you can create a pleasant yet intriguing outdoor space that leaves no one unimpressed.
If you were to explore the classical Greek sculpture range, you’d find that they’re carved to almost godlike perfection. Realistic yet idealized, capturing the ideal form of beauty, that’s what defines a classical Greek sculpture. The most famous ancient Greek statues and sculptures give a nod to deities and heroes from literature and mythology. There are remarkable representations of the Three Graces, Hebe, Venus de Milo, Venus and the Apple, Shy Maiden, Cupid and Psyche and so on and so forth.
For instance, a large sculpture of the Three Graces is a great way to make your garden stand out from the rest. It’s an excellent conversation starter that will leave your guests hungry for your knowledge and wisdom. The Three Graces are considered to be the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome. It is believed that Euphrosyne, Aglaia and Thalia were able to bestow humankind with precious gifts of mirth, elegance and beauty. What a wonderful way to greet anyone who sets foot in your front yard or garden.
If you want to give your garden a profound meaning, you can go for a life-size sculpture of Cupidon and Psyche. A perfect addition to any traditional setting, these sculptures represent the love between Psyche (soul) and Cupid (love) in their ultimate union in a sacred marriage, described in the novel Metamorphoses.
Statues representing Hebe, the goddess of youth and prime of life, are also a fine choice for gardens. In art, Hebe is often shown serving nectar and ambrosia to the other gods to preserve their eternal youth and lifeforce. You can complement a Hebe statue with a bird feeder or a birdbath to bring life to your garden. This piece would look perfect next to the alfresco dining set where you cater for your guests.
How to Make Your Sculptures Prominent?
Even the grandest sculptures can be concealed once the lush greenery and flowers take over. If you’re blessed with such a garden, you might want to consider elevating your art on outdoor garden pedestals and plinths. These highly decorative platforms won’t only make your sculptures and statues more prominent, but they’ll also add a dramatic flair. They come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, so you can easily find something that matches your Greek period piece.
Another great thing about outdoor garden pedestals and plinths is their versatility. Their use isn’t limited solely to statues. You can use them to showcase rare plants, highlight the entrance and support arches. Moreover, they can help you break up a dull outdoor space or structure an overgrown garden. By using pedestals of different sizes, you can create levels, structure and depth to improve the overall look.
What Are the Best Materials for Outdoor Sculptures?
As already mentioned, statues and sculptures don’t require much maintenance. However, if you want them to withstand the ravages of time and elements of nature, you need to choose high-quality pieces made from durable materials such as stone and marble. These materials, unlike metal and wood, are immune to corrosion, decay and fire. With that being said you’re now ready to look for a statuary masterpiece for your garden. You can browse and shop for Greek classical statues online from the convenience of your own home or in-store to witness their beauty in all its splendour.
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