Marble in Art explores why marble became the quintessential material for sculptors during the Classical and Renaissance periods.
The book illuminates the geological properties of marble, such as the prized Pentelic and Carrara types, and their impact on artistic production.
Also, it delves into how sculpting techniques evolved from early Greek kouroi to Michelangelo's masterpieces.
The book uniquely examines the interplay of resource availability, technological advancements, patronage, and cultural values that elevated marble's status.
It progresses by detailing marble's geological origins, then moves to the evolution of sculpting techniques and historical developments, and culminates with the socio-economic contexts supporting marble sculpture.
This approach challenges the isolation of artistic choices, emphasizing socio-economic and material conditions.
