Etymology From Old French statue, from Latin statua, derived from statuō (“set up or erect”). Doublet of statua.
1
A three-dimensional work of art, usually representing a person or animal, usually created by sculpting, carving, molding, or casting.
I will raise her statue in pure gold.c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iii]:
It’s true, Robert E. Lee was opposed to statues of people like Robert E. Lee! So any city that decides to keep a statue of him should, at the very least, add a speech bubble saying, “You know, I specifically told you all not to do this.”!2017 October 8, “Confederacy”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 4, episode 26, John Oliver (actor), via HBO: