The Statue of Liberty is not just a towering figure of neoclassical grace rising from Liberty Island—she is an enduring symbol of freedom, enlightenment, and the profound bond between France and the United States. Often referred to as Lady Liberty, the monument is admired for its aesthetics, history, and cultural power. But who created this icon? What was she made of? And when was Lady Liberty made?

In this expert guide, we explore the complete story of the Statue of Liberty, from her conception by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty sculptor, to her arrival in New York Harbor, and the creation of her pedestal. We’ll also answer the most commonly asked questions, from "When was the Statue of Liberty built?" to "Who is Lady Liberty?"

Who Was the Statue of Liberty Sculptor?

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, born in Colmar, France in 1834, was a sculptor with a passion for monumental art. Educated at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Bartholdi began his career with historical statues in Alsace before developing a vision for a grand symbol of liberty. Influenced by his travels in Egypt and admiration for large-scale works like the Sphinx and pyramids, Bartholdi dreamt of creating a monumental statue representing freedom and democracy.

As the Statue of Liberty sculptor, Bartholdi envisioned the monument not only as a gift from France to America but as an emblem of shared republican ideals. He first presented the idea in 1865 to Édouard René de Laboulaye, president of the French Anti-Slavery Society, who supported the concept as a commemoration of America’s centennial and its abolition of slavery.

When Was the Statue of Liberty Built?

Construction of the statue began in France in 1875. The colossal work was assembled in stages over nearly a decade. The right arm holding the torch was completed first and exhibited in Philadelphia at the Centennial Exposition in 1876 to raise funds. The pedestal in the U.S. was delayed by a lack of funds, eventually completed through campaigns, auctions, and donations encouraged by Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the New York World.

The Statue of Liberty was completed in Paris in 1884, dismantled, and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in 214 crates aboard the Isère in 1885. It was reassembled on Liberty Island, then called Bedloe’s Island.

When was the Statue of Liberty built? Officially, the monument was completed in 1886, the year it was dedicated.

What Is Lady Liberty Made Of?

Bartholdi’s design employed over 60,000 pounds of copper, using modular construction where hammered copper sheets were riveted onto an internal iron framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel—yes, the same man behind the Eiffel Tower. The structural system allowed for movement and resilience, particularly necessary in the gusty winds of New York Harbor.

Over time, the copper developed a green patina through natural oxidation. Far from damaging the monument, this protective layer has preserved Lady Liberty for over 135 years.

Why Is She Called Lady Liberty?

Often affectionately called Lady Liberty, the statue personifies Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty and personal freedom. She holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left inscribed with the date July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals. The broken chains at her feet symbolize the end of oppression and slavery.

Who is Lady Liberty? She’s not a real person, but a symbolic figure derived from Roman mythology. Her design conveys the Enlightenment values of democracy, knowledge, and global harmony.

The Pedestal: Built by America

While France funded the statue, America was responsible for the pedestal. Designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt, the granite pedestal rises 89 feet and rests upon the star-shaped walls of Fort Wood, a former military installation.

When was Lady Liberty made complete? When the pedestal was finished in 1886, the statue was reassembled atop it and unveiled during a dedication ceremony attended by President Grover Cleveland.

What Was the Original Statue of Liberty?

The original Statue of Liberty design evolved significantly over time. Early models depicted the statue holding broken chains rather than a torch. Bartholdi created several scale models, some of which are displayed in museums in France and the United States.

A smaller version stands on the Île aux Cygnes in Paris, gifted by Americans living in France to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. Other replicas can be found in Bartholdi’s hometown of Colmar.

Why Did France Give America the Statue of Liberty?

The gift from France marked the centennial of American independence and celebrated shared values of freedom and democracy. Édouard Laboulaye hoped the statue would also inspire liberty within France, then under repressive political conditions.

This international collaboration was a political and artistic triumph—a demonstration that liberty is a universal ideal.

Ellis Island and Immigration

Situated near Ellis Island, Lady Liberty greeted over 12 million immigrants arriving in the United States from 1892 to 1954. Her image became a beacon of hope and a global symbol of freedom.

Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, The New Colossus, written to support fundraising for the pedestal, is inscribed on a plaque inside the pedestal:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."

The proximity of Lady Liberty to Ellis Island made her the first American sight seen by generations of immigrants.

Frequently Asked Questions on Lady Liberty -- find an answer to remember

Who constructed the Statue of Liberty?
The statue was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel. American architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the pedestal.

When was the the Statue of Liberty built?
It was constructed between 1875 and 1886, with the dedication taking place on October 28, 1886.

What is the Statue of Liberty made of?
She is made of copper over an iron and steel framework. The base is made of granite.

Why is she green?
The green color comes from the oxidation of copper, which forms a protective layer known as patina.

Who gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States?
The French people gifted the statue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence.

Where is the original Statue of Liberty?
The full-size original is in New York, but smaller models exist in France, including Paris and Colmar.

Is the Statue of Liberty a man?
No. The statue is a woman symbolizing Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty.

When was Lady Liberty made?
Lady Liberty’s parts were made between 1875–1884 in France and she was assembled in 1886 in New York.

What was the inspiration behind the Statue of Liberty?
Bartholdi’s admiration for the Sphinx and ancient monuments influenced the statue's scale and presence. The idea evolved from an unrealized project for the Suez Canal to a gift celebrating American liberty.

Final Reflection: More Than a Monument

The Statue of Liberty—or Lady Liberty—is more than a copper sculpture standing on a stone pedestal in New York Harbor. She is a profound symbol of freedom, built through international cooperation, and a reminder of the enduring pursuit of liberty and equality.

To explore more about France’s cultural and artistic contributions, including works by the Statue of Liberty sculptor, stream historical documentaries and films on TV5MONDEplus.

Lady Liberty was a gift. Her meaning is your inheritance.