Marble

Definition

This term refers to the use of marble, a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, in sculpture and architecture, known for its beauty, durability, and association with classical art, where it has been used for centuries to create some of the most iconic sculptures and buildings in Western art history.

History

Marble has been a preferred material for sculpture and architecture since ancient times, particularly in Greece and Rome, where it was used to create statues, reliefs, and temples that exemplify the ideals of classical beauty and proportion. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, artists like Michelangelo and Bernini elevated marble sculpture to new heights, creating works that are celebrated for their technical mastery and emotional power.

Notable Examples

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Michelangelo

David, 1501-1504

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Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Apollo and Daphne, 1622-1625

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Michelangelo

Pietà, 1498-1499

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Antonio Canova

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, 1787-1793

Key Artists & Movements

Key figures include Michelangelo, whose marble sculptures, such as David, are considered masterpieces of Renaissance art, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque sculptor known for his dynamic, expressive works in marble, such as Apollo and Daphne.

Techniques & Materials

Techniques involve the carving of marble using chisels, hammers, and other tools, a process that requires great skill and precision to achieve the desired level of detail and finish. Marble is valued for its ability to hold fine detail and its translucency, which gives sculptures a lifelike quality. Artists often begin with a rough block of marble and gradually refine the form, working from larger to smaller tools, and finishing with polishing to bring out the stone's natural luster.

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