Maman

Cast in bronze, the Maman statue towers above visitors at 30 feet (9.1 meters) in front of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. The statue, considered to be one of the largest in the world, is a contemporary piece sculpted by master artist and craftsman Louise Bourgeois. One of six bronze sculptures, the sculpture was acquired by the gallery in 2004. The spider symbolizes motherhood with its sac of eggs sculpted from marble, in the underbelly of the beast. The statue is an interesting use of various materials - bronze, stainless steel and marble - to create an artwork that evokes a curious blend of inquisitiveness and apprehension.