Does your novel include a sculpture that is central to its overall plot? Are you looking for the right terms to use to bring out its uniqueness? We’ve included 10 words to describe a beautiful sculpture below.
1. Sensational
Definition
Something or someone that causes excitement or great interest.
Examples
“The sensational sculpture sent shockwaves through the city, and each day more and more visitors traveled to see its beauty.”
“It was a sensational sculpture, and no one could deny it.”
How it Adds Description
The word “sensational” implies that the sculpture is so beautiful that people can’t ignore it. If you want to emphasize your sculpture’s effect on your characters, this adjective will provide a clear image of their admiration for its appearance.
2. Breathtaking
Definition
Something that’s extremely amazing or beautiful.
Examples
“She glanced at the breathtaking sculpture and felt her heart stop — it was truly a masterpiece.”
“The breathtaking sculpture towered above the rest, asserting its dominance as a premium work of art.”
How it Adds Description
The word “breathtaking” portrays the physical effect the sculpture’s beauty has on characters. This is a popular adjective to use if you want to emphasize a specific character’s obsession with the sculpture, as it makes their feelings very clear to your reader.
3. Elegant
Definition
Something graceful and pleasing in appearance.
Examples
“The elegant sculpture provided a glimpse into the old world, and it was unmistakably beautiful.”
“He circled the elegant sculpture, taking in every inch of detail until he’d seen it all.”
How it Adds Description
“Elegant” is a word that’s synonymous with style and grace, and it instantly conveys the beauty of your fictional sculpture. If you want to convey that your sculpture is sophisticated or extremely beautiful, this word can help.
4. Striking
Definition
Something very noticeable and unique.
Examples
“No one could ignore the striking sculpture, and it radiated beauty from every angle.”
“As she approached the striking sculpture, she noticed how different it was from the artist’s usual style.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to create a clear image of a beautiful sculpture that’s different from others, the word “striking” can help. “Striking” is associated with objects that look unique, and it’s a great choice for a sculpture that’s beautiful and different simultaneously. It can also be used to further the plot, hinting towards something special about the sculpture with foreshadowing.
5. Remarkable
Definition
A person or object that’s special, unique, or impressive.
Examples
“The remarkable statue was placed on the stage for all to see, something so beautiful couldn’t be hidden for long.”
“It was a clear day, and the sunlight traveled through the windows and hit the remarkable statue in all the right places.”
How it Adds Description
Similar to the word “striking”, the word “remarkable” hints at the statue being unique or different. However, “remarkable” also provides connotations of an impressive piece of work. This word can be used to show your character’s appreciation or the sculpture, ensuring the reader knows the sculpture is something special.
6. Ancient
Definition
Something very old or belonging to a distinct historical era (e.g. ancient Greece).
Examples
“The ancient sculpture looked brand new, and it was hard to imagine the many years it had survived through.”
“He started sketching the ancient sculpture, and his mind instantly imagined the days of Greece where civilization looked extremely different from the urban jungle it was today.”
How it Adds Description
The word “ancient” provides some context to your beautiful sculpture, ideal if you want to portray that it’s an older sculpture. “Ancient” is often linked to Greek or Roman creations, and you can use this adjective to associate your sculpture with a specific time period.
7. Dazzling
Definition
Something very beautiful, impressive, or very light.
Examples
“The dazzling sculpture complimented the abundance of natural light, and it looked perfect in the center of the museum’s hall.”
“She scanned the room for the dazzling sculpture, but it wasn’t present anywhere.”
How it Adds Description
The word “dazzling” conveys beauty, but it can also imply that your sculpture is very light or bright. This is a good descriptive word to use for any white marble sculpture, as their color is dazzling — especially when viewed in natural light.
8. Handsome
Definition
Someone with attractive features/physique.
Examples
“She couldn’t deny the handsome statue caught her attention, especially since it’s jawline was extremely chiseled.”
“The handsome statue mirrored great Hollywood movie stars; you could see the likeness in its face.”
How it Adds Description
The word “handsome” is commonly used to describe attractiveness, especially within men. So, if your sculpture takes the form of a man, “handsome” is a great way to convey its conventional beauty. It can also be used to describe women. However, it’s more associated with adult males, so consider this before using it to describe a beautiful female sculpture.
9. Phenomenal
Definition
Someone or something that’s very great or better than others.
Examples
“The phenomenal sculpture impressed all the judges, there was no doubt it would win the competition.”
“She worked day and night on the phenomenal sculpture, ensuring each element was perfected before she moved on to the next.”
How it Adds Description
“Phenomenal” is a powerful adjective that describes an object’s superiority to others. If you want your sculpture to appear better than the rest, “phenomenal” is the term to use. This word also emphasizes the sculpture’s beauty, as “phenomenal” has positive connotations. Plus, you can use this term in your character’s narration to show the effect the sculpture has on them personally.
10. Glorious
Definition
Something very beautiful or brilliant.
Examples
“She stared up at the glorious sculpture and took in its beauty, this was a moment she’d cherish forever.”
“The glorious sculpture sat at the top of the stairs, and you couldn’t pass it without taking a moment to admire its beauty.”
How it Adds Description
The word “glorious” implies your sculpture is extremely beautiful, which is ideal if your sculpture’s beauty is a significant plot point. Using this word will make it clear to the reader that the sculpture is something they need to remember. Additionally, “glorious” could show that the sculpture is culturally significant, and this could further assist your readers understanding of your fictional world.