What historical stone sculptures pioneered anatomical accuracy?

The pursuit of anatomical accuracy in stone sculpture has been a hallmark of artistic mastery throughout history. Among the earliest pioneers were the ancient Greeks, whose works like the *Kritios Boy* (480 BCE) and the *Riace Bronzes* (460–450 BCE) showcased remarkable understanding of human musculature and proportion. The Hellenistic period further advanced this realism, as seen in the *Laocoön and His Sons* (1st century BCE).

During the Renaissance, artists like Donatello and Michelangelo revived and refined these techniques. Michelangelo’s *David* (1504) epitomized anatomical precision, with its lifelike veins, tendons, and balanced posture. These sculptures not only reflected scientific inquiry but also set enduring standards for artistic representation of the human form. Their legacy continues to influence modern anatomy studies and art education.