When it comes to carving capitals, nothing is more striking than marble. This beautiful stone has a rich history, and these carvings are no exception. Learn about the different types of marble and the techniques that are used to carve them in this article. Once you know the history, you can move on to choosing the perfect capital for your project. There are many styles, and you'll be happy to have one of your own.
History of marble carving
The history of marble polished carving capitals begins in the 13th century, when the stone capitals used for church columns were copied and carved for other church buildings. These stone capitals served as models for carvings of the same kind on other structures. However, the stone capitals were not always of the same style. The capitals of free-standing colonnettes were often carved in different ways, and the differences were visible.
The master carvers began with large blocks of marble, carefully selecting the most suitable one. This stone can have hidden flaws or imperfections, and therefore the master carver used sophisticated techniques to ensure the quality of each piece. Using a variety of techniques, the masters extracted the stone from the quarries and worked it into the final shapes. After this, they hung them in the designated places within the structures. The most beautiful marble sculptures date back to the 5th century BCE, when the marble was harvested and shaped.
Types of marble used
There are several types of marble used in carving capitals , and each one has its own unique characteristics and aesthetic value. The three most common marble types are Boticcino beige marble, El Dark Emperador, and Chira stone. These marbles are commonly used in architectural details, and are available in many different colors. Read on for an overview of these types and what they mean for your project.
The most common marble is dolomitic, which is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. It has the most intense color and clarity of all marble types. This marble is less porous than other types, so scratches and stains will show up more prominently. Honed marble, on the other hand, has a softer matte finish. While it doesn't show as many scratches as polished marble, it is also more easily stained.
Origins of capitals
The origin of marble polished carving capitals dates back to the 13th century, when a master Italian mason carved a pair of large capitals from a piece of black granite. The carvings on each capital feature elegant foliate patterns. The backsides were left unpolished to reveal the brown and gold striations that adorned the capitals. The centers of each capital contain a scrolled volute margent, trailing below, and large rinceaux. The pair was likely meant to be placed on top of a column and attached to the wall on the other side.
Byzantine architecture also drew inspiration from marble. The master builders of Constantinople used it to build temples and other structures in the Capital City. Throughout its turbulent history, marble was damaged and lost some of its architectural and sculptural elements. Restoration of these pieces requires careful selection of the original material, traditional quarrying techniques, and the craft of stonecutting. While the process may take months, it is well worth it in the long run.
Techniques used to carve capitals
CMP Stonemason Supplies sells tools and supplies for marble carving. Cutter wheels are an important tool for stone carving, as they remove large amounts of material from the edge of the stone. This process can also be useful for creating larger radii. The following sections describe some of the techniques used for marble carving. Learn more about these tools and supplies by reading the following articles. Also, check out our gallery of marble carving examples.
Before placing the column, the sculptor carved the marble's polished capitals. The marble's fine grain allows the sculptor to produce minute details. This makes the marble more expensive than limestone, so the sculptors could create more detailed carvings. The next step was to carve the fluting into the column after it was installed. These techniques can also be used to carve small details, such as a lock of hair or fold of clothing.
