Why are so many statues naked? An art historian explains this tradition’s ancient roots

Nudity can express everything from innocence to sexual desire, from triumph to defeat.

By: Anna Swartwood House, University of South Carolina, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 2, 2026

Words: 1,226

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

By Anna Swartwood House, University of South Carolina

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Why are so many statues naked? – Artie, age 12, Astoria, New York

We are all born naked, and sculptures of the human body in its natural state are as old as humankind.

In the history of art, …

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