The word "statuary" is often misspelled due to confusion over its pronunciation. It refers to a collection of statues or the art of making statues. The word is pronounced /ˈstætjuəri/ with the stress on the second syllable, and the first sound is a "st" blend, followed by the "a" vowel sound. The "tua" in the middle is pronounced as two separate syllables and the word ends with the "ri" syllable. Remembering this phonetic transcription can help you avoid common spelling mistakes when writing about art and sculpture.
Statuary refers to the art or practice of making statues. It can also pertain to the statues themselves, which are three-dimensional sculptures made of various materials such as stone, metal, or wood, and often depict human or animal figures. Statues have been created by humans for centuries and are considered important elements of artistic expression and cultural heritage.
The term "statuary" can also describe a collection or display of statues, either within a specific location or as a broader concept. These collections of statuary can be found in various settings, such as public parks, galleries, museums, or private gardens, where they contribute to the aesthetic and visual appeal of the surroundings.
Statuary can encompass a diverse range of styles and artistic traditions, reflecting the cultural, historical, and artistic influences of different regions and time periods. Examples of notable statuary include ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, with their emphasis on naturalistic forms and idealized beauty, as well as the religious statues found in churches and temples.
In summary, statuary refers to the production, display, and study of statues. It encompasses both the act of creating three-dimensional sculptures and the resulting artworks themselves. Statuary can be found in various cultural and artistic contexts, playing a vital role in shaping our understanding of history, culture, and artistic expression.
One who carves images or statues; the art of carving figures out of stone, marble, &c., to represent human beings or animals; a collection of statues, or statues considered collectively.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word statuary comes from the Latin word statuarius, which means pertaining to a statue or of or for a sculptor. It is derived from the Latin word statua, meaning statue or image. The term statuarius was later borrowed into Middle English as statuarie and eventually evolved into the modern English word statuary.