The distinction between a sculpture and a statue lies in their scope, subject matter, and purpose:

Sculpture vs Statue Scope:

Sculpture is a broad term encompassing all three-dimensional artworks created by shaping materials like stone, metal, or clay. It includes abstract, representational, and conceptual pieces.

A statue is a subset of sculpture, specifically a representational work depicting a person, animal, or recognizable entity (real or mythical).

Boy statue sculpture showed Doing Tricks on him Skateboard
courage duty protecting the community bronze patrolling enforcing policeman statue

Sculpture vs Statue: Multi-angle differences and connections

Sculpture Vs Statue Subject:

Statues are typically realistic and figurative, often portraying specific individuals (e.g., historical figures like Abraham Lincoln), deities (e.g., Buddha), or symbolic entities (e.g., the Statue of Liberty).

Sculptures can be abstract (e.g., Henry Moore’s organic forms) or non-representational, focusing on form, texture, or concept rather than likeness.

quiet beauty bronze sculpture of a serene thoughtful lonely dame on a beach (Jaden Aking)

Sculpture of Jaden Aking

ancient Greek classical style historical Riace bronze warrior sculpture for sale

Ancient Greek historical Riace bronze warrior sculpture

custom bronze casting lost-wax fighting bear and eagle statue

Bronze casting lost-wax fighting bear and eagle statue sculpture

Aongking custom famous artwork Bruno Catalano Les Voyageurs missing traveler metal art

Bruno Catalano traveler metal statue sculpture

Sculpture Vs Statue Purpose:

Statues are frequently commemorative or monumental, serving public or historical functions (e.g., war memorials, civic heroes).

Sculptures may prioritize artistic expression, decoration, or exploration of ideas, without necessarily honoring a subject.

Long distance runner sculpture

Sculpture Vs Statue Context:

The term “sculpture” also refers to the art form itself (e.g., “She studies sculpture”), whereas “statue” always denotes a physical object.

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today sculpture, fine art bronze collection statues from Aongking
Life size playing golf elder brother teaches the younger brother bronze statue sculpture
Standing golfer bronze statue

In short, All statues are sculptures, but not all sculptures are statues. Statues emphasize representation and commemoration, while sculptures span a wider artistic range.