Andromeda and the Sea Monster 1694

Domenico Guidi created ‘Andromeda and the Sea Monster’ from marble sometime in the 17th century. Marble is heavy, yet it can be carved into incredibly lifelike forms. Guidi has done just that, capturing Andromeda’s fleshy vulnerability and terror, as well as the grotesque head of the monster. Look closely, and you’ll notice the contrast between the polished skin and the rougher textures that evoke her drapery, the craggy rocks, and the monster’s scales. Of course, this wasn’t just a feat of manual dexterity. Guidi trained for years to learn how to work this demanding material. He likely used a variety of tools, from chisels and rasps to drills and polishing cloths. Sculpture at this scale also took a workshop—a whole social world of labor. So, next time you see a marble sculpture, remember all that went into its making: the artist's skill, the material's potential, and the social context that made it all possible.