Marble
Since the Renaissance, marble statuary and sculpture has been known for its timeless beauty. Though it is more expensive than other materials, marble is the medium of choice for fine art pieces throughout history for its texture and durability.
Marble is formed when the limestone is transformed by heat and pressure after being overlain by other materials. Its surface is slightly translucent, which allows artists to fashion abstract shapes with great depth and complexity, or to detail the most realistic sculptures with the material's softness and depth.
Artists create sculptures and statuary using a very similar method to that used in the 1500s. The artist uses a hammer, mallet, chisel, and sometimes even a hand drill. The hammer is used first, on rough stone. When the hammer strikes the end of the chisel, energy is transferred in a line down the contour in the form of a break. The harder the hit, the deeper the point moves into the stone, and the more material is removed at a time. Then the marble is hit directly to bring about finer detail with a mallet and chisel. The sculpture is finished with special pointing tools and files, such as rasps, abrasive stones, or sand paper to smooth the surface contours. Following the sandpaper, tin oxide is used to create a high-luster polish on marble.
As marble ages, it becomes more durable, though compared to bronze, marble lacks ductility and strength, requiring more planning before sculpting. Marble also has a tendency to absorb skin oils, which can lead to staining. Marble is best kept indoors, as it can be altered by acids in rain.
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
- Basilica of Holy Hill, National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians
- Basilica of St. Josaphat - Interior Restoration
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame - Restoration
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
- Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Stations of the Cross Restoration
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Discalced Carmelite Monastery
- Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun
- Gesu Parish, Marquette University
- Holy Family Church - New Statuary
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- St. Agnes Church
- St. Dominic Prayer Gardens
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
- St. Hyacinth Basilica
- St. James Catholic Church
- St. James Catholic Church
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- St. Mary Basilica
- St. Mary Magdalen
- St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church - Statue Restoration
- St. Peter’s Catholic Church
- St. Peter’s Catholic Church - Stations of the Cross Restoration
- St. Stanislaus Church
- St. Therese Chapel
- St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
- The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
- Trinity Episcopal Church
- Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
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There are no related portfolio pieces for this type pf project. Please check back often as we are constantly updating our portfolio.
There are no related portfolio pieces for this type pf project. Please check back often as we are constantly updating our portfolio.
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