Stone Sculpture
Stone Sculpture
A Brief History of Sculpture
The art form of sculpting has existed since the prehistoric age, with the earliest artists making use of materials such as ivory and clay. However, for many people, they think of the Egyptians or the Greeks as the initial creators of sculpture. It is widely known that the ancient Egyptians created a number of sculptures developed for both purely aesthetic reasons, as well as to observe rituals. The early Egyptians created sculptures of Sphinxes and Pharaohs, some of which are still in existence today. In fact, sculpture has often been used in religious practices or to honor those who were highly regarded in religious or political roles. The Greeks are also recognized for having created beautiful and lasting pieces that demonstrate the values of their time. Many of these pieces have proven their capability to survive and are able to observe even today.
Many of the most famous pieces of ancient sculpture have been attributed to the Greeks. Most often the pieces created were of people, especially those in positions of power. While the Greeks generally favored painting as the chosen art form, the sculptures were the pieces that survived to be observed and studied. These pieces were generally made of stone (often marble) and Hand Carved using metal tools or they were made from bronze. Bronze was considered to be of a higher stature than the stone sculptures, but not as many pieces lasted because the bronze was often melted down and reused for other purposes.
During the Middle Ages and Medieval periods, European artists utilized sculpture to represent the Gothic and Roman periods symbolized by religious architecture. The cathedrals and churches displayed intricate works of art and in some cases, provided a platform for sculptors to gain notoriety and influence. In the latter part of the Medieval period, many famous Renaissance sculptors emerged. In 16th and 17th century Italy and France, the baroque art style emerged and became the widely accepted norm.
Neoclassicism emerged in the 18th century and was characterized by a return to simplicity and restraint, a direct contrast to the extravagant baroque style that had been popular previously. This style of sculpture retained its popularity well into the 19th century as well.
The modern sculpture of the 20th century provided a break from the realism and traditional Greek style of creating sculptures. Artists were influenced by work from many different parts of the world, including Aztec and African art. The modern sculpture movement also made use of nontraditional materials to create pieces that were not designed to last indefinitely (as it often had been in the past) but only to use the best materials to represent that piece of art for the time being. Modern sculptures also began to use everyday items to create pieces of art, known as the "Pop Art" style.
The current, contemporary style of sculpture is not easily defined. Artists use a variety of materials and methods for creating sculptures. Many traditional rules have been lifted and the artist is no longer limited by the popular, accepted style as they have been historically.
About the Author
Robin Antar is a world-renown sculptor. To learn more about Robin's expertise in stone and Abstract Sculpture, please visit her web site, http://www.rantar.com, or blog, http://www.stonesculptures.org
![]() |
![]() Sea Lionstone sculpture garden seat public artzoo US $14,000.00
|
![]() Alexander the Great bust stone sculpture US $4,000.00
|
![]() StArchangel Michail killing the dragon stone wall decor Engels art sculpture US $3,500.00
|
![]() Joan of Arc stone sculpture wall plaque home decor US $3,500.00
|
![]() ORIGINAL CRAB SCULPTURE CREATED IN SERPENTINE STONE BY INTL ARTIST JOHN CODY US $2,800.00
|
![]() Carving Lord Ganesha Stone Marble Sculpture Art Direct From Artist Free Shipping US $1,911.00
|
![]() JERUSALEM GUITAR MADE OF BRONZE COPPER AND STONE SCULPTURE SIGNED BY RAPHAEL US $1,500.00
|
![]() Carving Lord Ganesha Stone Marble Sculpture Direct From Artist Beautiful Item US $1,451.00
|
![]() 1634 Natural Black Obsidian Stone Couple Cats Sculpture CarvingR22 US $1,299.00
|
![]() Chinese handcraft folk art stone sculpture carving inkstone inkslab dragon pearl US $1,299.00
|
![]() 15 Fluorite TIGER PINE Sculpture Stone Carving R59 US $1,299.00
|
![]() Lime Stone Sculpture US $1,500.00
|
![]() Nerissa Leather Sculpture On Cantera Stone US $1,200.00
|
![]() Serena Leather Sculpture On Cantera Stone US $1,200.00
|
![]() 161 Giant Natural Picture Jasper Tortoise Turtle Sculpture Stone Carving U80 US $799.00
|
![]() 138 Natural Kambaba Jasper TIGER Sculpture Stone Carving U75 US $699.00
|
![]() 75 Agate Buddha Sculpture Stone Carving R28 US $499.00
|
![]() 57 Natural Lapis Lazuli Giraffe Sculpture Stone Carving V46 US $399.00
|
![]() 112 Natural Rainbow Fluorite Swimming Whale Sculpture Stone Carving U18 US $380.00
|
![]() 1 dozen rock roses stone flower orig art sculpture figurine shockingly beautiful US $396.00
|
![]() 1 dozen rock roses stone flower orig art sculpture figurine ROSES FOREVER US $396.00
|
![]() 55 Natural Lapis Lazuli Kangaroo Lizard Sculpture Stone Carving U55 US $358.00
|
![]() 95448Lb Natural Ruby Zoisite Lizard Sculpture Stone Carving V56 US $350.00
|
![]() 87693Lb Natural Multi Colored Stone Pig Sculpture Stone Carving V68 US $339.00
|
![]() 83 Rainbow Obsidian TIGER SculptureStone CarvingQ62 US $329.00
|
![]() 11 Natural Grey Fossil WOLF Sculpture Stone Carving V24 US $318.00
|
Carl Wright, Abstract Stone Sculpture


US $14,000.00
























