Duomo (lucca) - Interior 1579

Giambologna carved this sculpture from marble, a stone prized for its smooth, even texture and capacity to take fine detail. The whiteness of the marble has a luminosity to it, evoking the divine. But it also had to be extracted, transported, and then carefully worked to reveal the figure within. The figure's drapery, face, and even the book in his hands must have taken immense time and expertise to carve. This raises questions about labor and the cost of materials, which would have made it an exclusive object. While we might admire the artist's skill, it’s also important to consider the many unseen hands involved in its creation: the quarrymen, transporters, and studio assistants, who all contributed to the final piece. By recognizing this extended network of making, we can appreciate the sculpture not just as a testament to individual genius, but as a product of collective effort and social context.