Marble is a metamorphic rock derived from limestone, composed mostly of calcite (a crystalline form of
Among … See more

Sculptors usually begin by knocking off, or "pitching," large portions of unwanted stone. A suitable tool for this task is a point chisel, which is a long, hefty piece of steel with a point at one end and a broad striking surface at t… See more

The Italian terms for the basic carving tools of stone sculpture are given here, and where possible the English terms have been included.
• La Mazza – The mallet. This is used to strike the c… See more

Hammer and point work is the technique used in working stone, in use at least since Roman times, as it is described in the legend of Pygmalion, and even earlier, the ancient Greek sculptors used it from c. 650 BC. It consi… See more

Some contemporary sculptors use advanced robots and automation software to help them create carved works in marble. A 2021 New York Times article describes how robots like ABB2, a 13-foot zinc-alloy robotic ar… See more

• Polychrome
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• Marble sculpture at the British Museum See more