history of wax figures

Wax figures have a history dating back to ancient Egypt, where artisans created wax sculptures for religious and funerary purposes. In the 18th century, wax modeling gained popularity in Europe for portraiture and entertainment, notably with the development of life-like figures of celebrities and royalty. Madame Tussauds, founded in the early 19th century, became famous for pioneering realistic wax figures of historical and contemporary icons, drawing visitors worldwide. Today, wax museums showcase detailed, lifelike representations of famous individuals, blending artistry and craftsmanship to preserve history and culture in a tangible form.