According to Gustave Eiffel's design advice, what feature should the statue's arm have and where should it be placed relative to the head?

• A. Thick arm and positioned beside the head.
• B. Arm bent and placed behind the head.
• C. Arm long and extended forward.
• D. Thick arm and positioned directly above the figure's head.

Answer: (D)

Think about how a statue’s gesture reads from a distance. The arm should be thick so it reads clearly as solid mass, not a delicate line, which helps the raised limb hold its own against the figure and lighting. Placing that arm directly above the head creates a strong vertical gesture that signals uplift and makes the pose instantly recognizable, even when viewed far away.

If the arm were beside the head, or bent behind it, the silhouette would lose its bold, readable silhouette and the gesture wouldn’t read as upward or expressive. Extending the arm forward would draw the line outward rather than upward, reducing the immediate impact of the pose. So a thick arm positioned directly above the head best conveys strength, clarity, and the intended elevated gesture.