Christ the Redeemer - Definition and Overview

Christ the Redeemer ("Cristo Redentor" in Portuguese) is a 30-meter monument statue of Jesus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, located on Corcovado mountain. The statue stands at the top of the 710-meter mountain, a granite dome, overlooking the city. The statue has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms.

The planning for the construction of the statue began in 1921, when a campaign was organized by the "Semana do Monumento" ("Monument Week"). Monetary contributions were donated from Catholics and other entities. The designs considered for the Statue of the Christ included a representation of the Christian cross, a statue with a globe in the hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. The form of the image of the Redeemer with opened arms was chosen.

The execution of the workmanship (from French schematics) was done by a Polish sculptor Paul Landowski.

Christ the Redeemer is also the name of an icon written by Andrei Rublev in 1409. See .

See also

• List of statues