The colour of statuary marble used for sculptor's work, is
🗿 Understanding "Statuary" Marble
Statuary marble (or marmo statuario in Italian) is not just any marble; it is the most prized and precious type of marble used specifically for creating statues.
It is a metamorphic rock, formed when limestone is subjected to immense heat and pressure. For a marble to be considered "statuary" grade, it must have specific qualities that make it ideal for carving fine details.
🔬 Detailed Analysis of Colors
C. White
This is the correct answer. Pure, brilliant white is the defining characteristic of statuary marble. There are several reasons why this color is so important for sculpture:
- Purity and Uniformity: A pure white color indicates a lack of impurities. This uniformity means the sculptor doesn't have to work around distracting veins or colored patches, allowing the form of the sculpture to be the main focus.
- Translucence: High-quality white marble has a slight translucence (it allows some light to penetrate the surface). This gives the finished statue a lifelike depth and a soft glow, famously mimicking the appearance of human skin.
- Historical Precedent: The most famous sculptures in history, such as Michelangelo's David and the ancient Greek Venus de Milo, were carved from white statuary marble (specifically, Carrara marble from Italy).
A. Red, B. Blue, & D. Green
While marbles of these colors exist and are extremely beautiful and valuable, they are not used for statuary work. Their strong colors and bold veining patterns make them highly sought after for decorative purposes like flooring, countertops, wall cladding, and columns. However, for a statue, these patterns would interfere with the carved details and disrupt the illusion of form.
📊 Summary: Marble Color and Its Use
| Marble Color | Primary Use | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| White | Statuary / Sculpture | Purity, uniformity, and translucence for lifelike detail. |
| Red / Pink | Decorative / Architectural | Valued for rich color and veining patterns. |
| Blue / Grey | Decorative / Architectural | Valued for unique color and veining. |
| Green / Black | Decorative / Architectural | Valued for dramatic, bold patterns and color. |
💡 Study Tips
- Statue = Statuary: The name itself is a big clue. "Statuary" marble is for making "statues."
- Think of the Classics: Picture the most famous statues you know from museums or history books. They are almost all carved from brilliant white marble.
- Purity for Art: For a sculptor, the stone is like a blank canvas. A pure white "canvas" is needed to create a masterpiece without distractions.