Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi 1855

This relief sculpture, "Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi," was made in the mid-19th century by Edward Bartholomew, likely in Italy, from a single piece of marble. The material is all-important here. Marble is a metamorphic rock, prized for its ability to take a polish, but also for its inherent capacity to appear luminous. Bartholomew has skillfully used these properties, and the way he has carved the stone, to create a narrative scene. Note how he's used a variety of chisels and rasps to create a low relief, with the figures emerging gently from the background. This gives a sense of depth and volume, while also emphasizing the flatness of the stone itself. The process of carving marble is laborious, requiring strength, precision, and patience. It’s a tradition that dates back to antiquity, and connects Bartholomew to a long line of sculptors who have sought to capture the human form in stone. Ultimately, the very whiteness and coolness of the marble lends an air of chaste solemnity to the subject. The use of marble elevates this biblical scene, turning it into something timeless and iconic.