Carrara Marble: The Iconic Stone Behind the World’s Greatest Art and Architecture
Carrara marble is perhaps the most famous marble in the world, with a long and illustrious history that dates back to Ancient Rome. Quarried from the Carrara region of Tuscany, Italy, Carrara marble is known for its stunning white or bluish grey appearance with soft, feathery veining. Its versatility, workability, and unique aesthetic have inspired artists, architects, and designers all around the world throughout history.
At Marblelous, we truly adore the classic beauty of Carrara marble and recognise its historical significance. That is why we proudly feature it in our collection and strive to craft the best marble dining table that everyone can appreciate. In this blog post, we explore the use of Carrara marble in some of the world’s greatest art and architectural masterpieces that continue to inspire us today.
1. Michelangelo’s David in Florence, Italy
Standing at 5.17 metres tall, Michelangelo’s David is one of the most renowned sculptures in history, masterfully carved from a single block of Carrara marble.
Completed in 1504, David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. The fine grain and luminosity of Carrara marble allowed Michelangelo to achieve the highly detailed, lifelike qualities that have made David an enduring symbol of Renaissance art.
2. Michelangelo’s Pietà in Vatican City
Housed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Michelangelo’s Pietà, meaning ‘pity’ in Italian, is another masterpiece carved from Carrara marble in 1500. This 1.74-metre sculpture portrays the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ after his crucifixion. Michelangelo’s choice of Carrara marble allowed him to achieve a delicate balance between softness and strength, bringing out the intricate folds of Mary's robes and the smooth contours of Christ's body.
3. Trajan’s Column in Rome, Italy
Completed in AD 113, the Trajan’s Column, is a triumphal column built to commemorate Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. The column is about 38 metres tall and is wrapped in a spiral frieze featuring 155 intricately carved scenes that detail the story of the Dacian Wars, showcasing 2,662 figures in battle and daily life. The Trajan’s Column has stood for more than 1,900 years, demonstrating the durability of Carrara marble.
4. The Marble Arch in London, United Kingdom
The Marble Arch, located near Hyde Park in London, is a triumphal arch designed by John Nash in 1827, completed in 1833. Originally intended as the state entrance to Buckingham Palace's cour d’honneur, it was later relocated to its current site to accommodate the expansion of the Palace. The arch was modelled after the Arch of Constantine in Rome and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris, and it is constructed from white Carrara marble, showcasing its elegant beauty.
5. Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok, Thailand
Also known as the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram was built in 1899 under the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and completed in 1911. The temple’s name means “the Monastery of the Fifth King near Dusit Palace”. Designed by Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, this temple features pillars, courtyard, and lion statue guardians that are all made entirely of Italian Carrara marble. Its distinctive white appearance contrasts beautifully with the golden roof tiles and ornate detailing.
6. Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, India
The Prem Mandir, a magnificent temple in Vrindavan, India, is a modern example of how Carrara marble continues to be a favoured material for grand structures. Completed in 2012, this temple, which took around 12 years to build, is dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. It is constructed entirely from Italian Carrara marble, chosen for its purity and luminous quality, which enhances the temple's divine and serene atmosphere.
Bringing the Legacy of Carrara Marble to Your Home
While it may be impossible to have a famous Renaissance sculpture like Michelangelo's David or Pietà in your home, there is a perfect way to incorporate this legendary material into your living space.
