When found out about what made the 7 Wonders of the World cut in Iva's post. I was reminded about award ceremonies where the best movies are chosen. So much depends on emotional responses. Brazil's Christ the Redeemer seems to have that certain emotional appeal. Of all the winners, it's the only statue. Buildings, although spectacular and amazing, don't necessarily give a warm fuzzy feeling.

A statue is different. According to this write-up, Christ the Redeemer represents warmth and openness. I can see that. It's interesting to note that the statue was created by French sculptor, Paul Landowski after it was designed by Brazilian Heitor de Silva Costa. The Statue of Liberty, one of the contest loosers and a statue of sorts, was also made by a Frenchman. Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi's creation was given as a gift in 1886.

Another thing I noticed which has really no bearing on anything is that Christ the Redeemer was finished in 1931 in the throes of The Great Depression when life was an economic disaster in the United States and much of Europe. Here's a link to various views and directions for how to get up to the statue. I chose this Flickr photo because of the composition. Great job Oberto.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories, North America, South America, United States, Brazil