The King Alfonso of Aragon 

Achille D'Orsi's sculpture of King Alfonso of Aragon is a marble carving of a historical figure. Marble as a material has a long association with classical art. It is a medium of prestige with qualities of purity, permanence, and value. The statue itself likely began as a rough block, carefully quarried from the earth, transported to the artist's studio, and then meticulously shaped using a variety of tools. Chisels, rasps, and polishing stones would all be used to refine the form, revealing the figure of the King from within the stone. Consider the labor involved in this process. From quarrying the marble to the final polish, the sculpture embodies human effort and skill. The choice of marble connects the sculpture to a tradition of power, patronage, and the enduring legacy of artistic skill. We are reminded of the social context, where artistry and craftsmanship are valued, and where the representation of power figures can immortalize their status in physical form.