SCULPTORS' MATERIALS #8: STONE

One of England's notable stone landmarks is Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire. This monument features a circle of vertically erected stones, reaching heights of approximately 13 feet, widths of 7 feet, and weighing about 25 tons. The construction of Stonehenge unfolded in various phases, with the original henge monument emerging around 5,000 years ago, followed by the distinctive stone circle established during the late Neolithic era. The monument incorporates two different stone varieties: massive sarsen stones, a form of silcrete rock naturally found across southern England, and smaller bluestones sourced from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, recognizable for their characteristic bluish hue when freshly fractured. Numerous theories abound regarding Stonehenge's purpose, suggesting it may have served as a gathering or ceremonial site, or perhaps an astronomical calendar.

The art of stone sculpting flourished particularly during the Romanesque period, subsequently transitioning into the Gothic architectural era, which saw the emergence of an exceptional collection of intricate religious stone sculptures that stand as some of the finest examples in the annals of sculpture history. Stone, as a medium, has been favored by sculptors for centuries due to its inherent elegance, durability, and adaptability. Its accessibility and ease of carving provide artists with a broad spectrum of creative potential, allowing for both rough-hewn and finely polished results. 

Different regions optimalized sculpting materials according to the stones readily available in the surrounding environment. For instance, various types of limestone were extensively used throughout Europe, while alabaster gained popularity in countries like England, northern France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. Marble was predominantly favored in Italy, which later became an export to Northern European regions.

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Sculpture made from stone

This article is about visually interesting objects made from stone. For the process of stone sculpture, see Stone carving. Carved stone human figures, known as Moai, on Easter Island, are prominent examples of this art form.

A stone sculpture is defined as an object crafted from stone that has been shaped, typically through carving or assembly, to create a visually appealing three-dimensional form. Due to its enhanced durability compared to most alternative materials, stone plays a vital role in architectural sculpture adorning the exteriors of buildings. Furthermore, stone carving involves various techniques where rough natural stone blocks are meticulously shaped through controlled removal of material. The permanence associated with stone has resulted in evidence of early societies engaging in some form of stonework. However, not all regions of the world possess an abundance of suitable stones for carving, as demonstrated in places like Egypt, Persia (Iran), Greece, Central America, India, and much of Europe.

Examples include petroglyphs—also known as rock engravings—which represent perhaps the earliest incarnations of stonework, involving the removal of part of the rock's surface through methods such as incision, pecking, carving, and abrading. More advanced rock reliefs consist of carvings made into "living" rock. Monumental sculpture features larger works, while architectural sculpture is applied to buildings. Historically, many of these artistic expressions were accented with paint after applying a thin layer of plaster. Hardstone carving relates to the artistic processes involving semi-precious materials such as jade, agate, onyx, rock crystal, sard, or carnelian, encompassing items crafted from these substances. Alabaster, a soft mineral composed of gypsum, is also commonly used for smaller endeavors due to its ease of carving while remaining relatively durable. Engraved gems, including cameos, were originally utilized as seals, and thus comprise a smaller variety of carved gemstones.

Other examples include an ancient Egyptian triple portrait sculpted in greywacke—a robust sandstone capable of achieving a fine polish. Sculpting stone is an ancient activity, predating civilization itself, possibly starting with incised figures on cave walls. Prehistoric stone sculptures commonly focused on human forms, exemplified by the Venus of Willendorf and the faceless sculptures from the Cycladic cultures in ancient Greece. Over time, various cultures developed sculptures featuring animals, composite human-animal figures, and abstract designs. Early practitioners used rudimentary techniques, while contemporary stone sculptors benefit from advanced tools such as pneumatic hammers. Nevertheless, for much of history, sculptors relied on the classic combination of hammer and chisel as their primary tools for carving stone.

Types of stone used in carved sculptures

Soapstone, with a Mohs hardness of about 2, serves as one of the easiest stones to work, making it a common choice for novice stone carvers. In comparison, alabaster and softer varieties of serpentine, rated around 3 on the Mohs scale, provide more durability than soapstone; alabaster has long been admired for its subtle translucence.

Limestone and sandstone, typically pegged at about 4 on the Mohs scale, represent the two types of sedimentary stones frequently selected for carving. Limestone is celebrated, particularly its oolitic variant, which is approximately twice as hard as alabaster and excellent for sculptural work. The harder types of serpentine can also match this hardness level.

The preferred stones for sculptors traditionally fall around 6 on the Mohs scale, including marble, travertine, and onyx. Marble has especially become the quintessential stone for sculptors in the European tradition since the classical Greek period, available in a diverse array of hues from white to pink, red, gray, and black.

Granite often ranks as the toughest stone for carving, measuring about 8 on the Mohs scale. Being the most durable of sculptural stones, granite is, however, exceedingly challenging to work with. Less frequently carved are basalt columns, which are even harder than granite, though they deliver a stunning polished black surface.

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