in this random rambling thread we post random pictures

[Gargoyle]

A tragedy in itself. But then sometimes harvesting the sculpture out of it's intended place, destroys some of the works integrity. It takes away the vision of the carves. Because usually they are carved for a reason and for that specific place. If that makes any sense. I know composition plays a large part in my art.

They shouldn't be moved, and they won't. That cemetery is a museum, a magical place. But they need to be protected and maintained, and that's what we're trying to do.

There are very good and dedicated people in the local governments who oversee Staglieno, but they have very limited resources. Also, Italy doesn't have a tax structure that encourages private philanthropy, but we do, so it's possible to find sponsorship on this side of the pond.

 

[N F C]

They shouldn't be moved, and they won't. That cemetery is a museum, a magical place. But they need to be protected and maintained, and that's what we're trying to do.

There are very good and dedicated people in the local governments who oversee Staglieno, but they have very limited resources. Also, Italy doesn't have a tax structure that encourages private philanthropy, but we do, so it's possible to find sponsorship on this side of the pond.

Loved seeing the before & after photos of the restoration work. And grateful that it's being done. Those pieces are gorgeous...as already been said, the detail is amazing. Thank you for the work you're doing and sharing the pictures.

 

[Cold Canadian]

I just love that first one. The details in her face and her shaw. Absolutely amazing!

I just love that first one. The details in her face and her shaw. Absolutely amazing!

X2 ........amazing detail ! .......If I may , what kind of stone is it ? have always thought it to be a sort of limestone , but unsure

 

[Gargoyle]

X2 ........amazing detail ! .......If I may , what kind of stone is it ? have always thought it to be a sort of limestone , but unsure

Almost all the sculptures there are in white Carrara marble. (there are a few in bronze, travertine, or other materials, but not many).

Here are a couple of photos I took in those quarries.

 

[Gargoyle]

And here's a quarry photo from over a hundred years ago, around the time these sculptures were made. This starts to give a sense of how much work went into getting and carving the stone.

 

[N F C]

And here's a quarry photo from over a hundred years ago, around the time these sculptures were made. This starts to give a sense of how much work went into getting and carving the stone.

Are those same quarries still in use? Beautiful bridge by the way.

 

[Bunnylady]

I understand the Carrara marble has been legendary for centuries when it comes to statuary.

And that structure is too gorgeous for a word as mundane as "bridge." Something like that needs a more noble designation - I think "viaduct" fits.

 

[N F C]

I understand the Carrara marble has been legendary for centuries when it comes to statuary.

And that structure is too gorgeous for a word as mundane as "bridge." Something like that needs a more noble designation - I think "viaduct" fits.

You're right Bunny, I stand corrected!

 

[Gargoyle]

Are those same quarries still in use? Beautiful bridge by the way.

Some are, sometimes you dig far enough that they no longer produce enough to justify the effort, but then another might open a mile away on the same mountain.
I've been in one that was opened under orders from Napoleon, and was closed in the 1960's. It still has a lot of good stone.

I understand the Carrara marble has been legendary for centuries when it comes to statuary.

Since Etruscan times. In 177 AD the Romans founded the port town of Luni, just south of present day Carrara. They used a lot of Carrara marble.

Not my photo, just one I found.

 

[Gargoyle]

I found a couple more photos I took in the quarries. In the first one, look how that mountain has been cut away over the centuries.