Nice statue. For something tall like that the best thing you can do is to get yourself a standard 80# bag of concrete and pour a base for it. Excavate a hole 4-5" deep and about 2" larger than the statue base in each direction. If you want a neat base, build a small, rectangular frame of wood and set it in the hole flush and level. Mix and pour the concrete and let it set up for a day or two. Then get yourself a bag of mortar and mix up a small quantity so that you can trowel on a bed about 1/2" thick on the top of the base. Immediately set the statue on it and clean up any mortar that squeezes out. The mortar will accommodate the uneven base. In a day it should be locked securely in place. I've done this with a couple of garden statues at my house. Once you're done you can hide the base with a little dirt if you want. Here's a picture of one of mine:

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:296366}}

flowermum,
Nice statue. I think dcarch has some good suggestions. Using a pin in the statue, allowing you to attach it where you like will give you some room for removal if necessary. Just based on a few trials, "gorilla glue" is very sturdy. If you decide to use your idea of the patio paver, or any other solution, this glue seems to hold almost anything. Even if you glue it to a paver, at least the whole unit could be removed if necessary, may be more level and with the proper connections to your base, can be removed.

WOW! You guys are the BEST! I knew you all would have some awesome advice. I have a lot to go with.

All your suggestions are highly valued! Your answers were exactly what I was seeking.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

If you need any sewing tips or home decor tips, just let me know.
: )

Thank you all, and did I say...
THANK YOU!!!

Kudzu9,

I forgot to add how wonderful your statue is. What a "Professional" looking job.

Nice statue. What is it made of?.
It looks to be plaster. I hope not. Anything other than cement or a resin fiberglass type will not hold up outdoors.

Thank you.
Honestly, I don't know what it's made of. It is very heavy. How can one distinguish between plaster and cement? (Forgive my naivete in this matter).

It's been leaning in a corner for the last seven years. My garden is semi-established now and I thought it may look lovely there. But if it shouldn't be outdoors, I will still use all the helpful advice to adhere it to "something" so I can display it indoors.

You can scratch an inconspicious area and it will look like chaulk. Also the bottom is probally open where it was poured. Cement bottoms are usually solid. But it is possible that plaster has a solid bottom also.

I looked at the bottom and it is solid. I also scratched it and it was dusty/chalky like. Bummer! I wanted to put her in my garden. Oh well, at least I now know how to adhere her (thanks to you all). I think I'll get a column and use the above suggestions to cement or glue her to the column.

I found her while stationed in Italy. I love her because it's like I have a tiny piece of Italy here with me. Just for fun, I attached a pix of the other Lady I have. She's just sitting atop the column unattached. I've always been anxious about her, hoping no one would knock her off the column. But I now know how to attach them.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

{{gwi:296368}}

flowermum-
Just because you scratched it and it's chalky does not necessarily mean it's plaster...though it could be. Some carved stone is very soft. Some things to look for:

PLASTER
-Does the statue have a pair of subtle seams you can barely make out that run down the statue on opposing sides? (They would be from a 2-piece cast and are usually placed to be inconspicuous.)

-Is it lightweight enough to be hollow inside?

POSSIBLY STONE
-Does the bottom of the base have some cross-hatched tool marks, so that it's flat but not completely smooth?

I looked closely and I did see a seam on the shell part. It looks like there could possibly be a seam along her hair line. But there definitely is not a seam along both sides. I checked the other one also, and the only seam I saw was one on the left side which runs from the base to the left underarm.

I also weighed them and Venus weighed around 21 lbs and the other Lady weighed 30 lbs. I tapped them and "to me" they didn't sound hollow.

I think I shall err on the side of caution and treat them as plaster, and not place them outside. I did research on Venus yesterday and came across the following pix.

http://www.italartworld.com/p-404.html

After seeing this pix, I further examined my Venus, and I hollowed those same areas in her mane. I'm assuming only a plaster statue would allow me to do that. I think they're almost identical now.

{{gwi:296369}}

I also looked at the bottom and I didn't notice anything remarkable. I do want to thank you because I would have put her outside and I'm sure I would have been sad once the elements got to her.

{{gwi:296370}}

Just a quick update if anyone is interested.

I promise I'm NOT a pest and I will go away from your forum.
: )

However, I just wanted to let you all know that after further research, and based upon the following website, I have concluded that this is most likely bonded carrara marble.

http://www.everlifememorials.com/v/bonded-marble-statues.htm

Although I bought them in Italy, we purchased them at a Market, and I really didn't know anything about them at the time, only that I loved them and always wanted some of these statues. And since that time, I really never gave them much thought.

But common sense now tells me that since I actually bought them in Italy, then in all probability, they are more likely this bonded marble, as opposed to being some other substance. I was also reflecting on how there would be slabs and slabs of marble in this town we lived near. It seemed to be as common as grass is to us here. (Gee, I sure do regret not purchasing several slabs of marble.)

Thank you all for indulging my intrusion here. You have been very kind.

flowermum-
If it's bonded marble, it should be able to go outside...so that's good news.