Who designed the exterior of the Statue of Liberty?

The designer of the exterior of the Statue of Liberty is indeed Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, also known as Auguste Bartholdi. He was a French sculptor who conceived and created the iconic figure, which has become a symbol of freedom and democracy. Bartholdi was responsible for the statue’s overall look and artistic expression, crafting not only its form but also the details that give it character, such as the facial features and the drapery of the robes.

While Gustave Eiffel is associated with the internal framework of the statue, which is crucial for its structural integrity, he did not design the exterior itself. Daniel Burnham was an architect known for his work in city planning and the design of the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, but he had no role in the Statue of Liberty's design. The first name might be misleading as it appears incomplete when referring to Bartholdi; however, the answer choice simplifies and correctly aligns with the intent of acknowledging the primary designer. Thus, recognizing Bartholdi as the creator emphasizes the artist’s substantial contribution to one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.