What is the place of natural stones in art?

Natural stones have held an important place in various branches of art throughout history and have been used in different ways by artists. With both their aesthetic and symbolic properties, natural stones have played a major role in sculpture, jewelry, architecture and decorative arts. Here are some important areas of use of natural stones in art:

1. Sculpture and Carving Art

• Ancient Greece and Rome:
  • Marble is one of the most preferred natural stones in ancient sculpture. Michelangelo's "David" statue and the statues in the Parthenon are examples of the elegant processing of marble.
• Asian Art:
  • In China and India, jade was widely used in Buddhist statues and ritual objects. Jade was chosen for its durability and workability.

2. Jewellery and Ornaments

• Ancient Egypt:
  • Natural stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise and agate were used in jewelry made for pharaohs and nobles. Tutankhamun's burial mask is a perfect example of these stones.
• Medieval Europe:
  • Precious stones such as sapphire, ruby ​​and emerald were widely used in royal jewellery and religious objects. These stones had both aesthetic and symbolic value.

3. Architecture and Decorative Arts

• Islamic Art:
  • Natural stones used in marble, tiles and mosaics have an important place in Islamic architecture. Especially in Iran and India, stone decorations are frequently seen in mosques and palaces.
• Baroque and Rococo:
  • During the Baroque and Rococo periods in Europe, marble and semi-precious stones were used in the interior decoration of palaces and churches.

4. Mosaic Art

• Roman Mosaics:
  • Coloured stones and marble pieces were used in floor and wall mosaics in ancient Rome. The mosaics in Pompeii are beautiful examples of this art.
• Byzantine Mosaics:
  • Along with gold, silver and coloured glass, natural stones also play an important role in Byzantine mosaics. The mosaics in the interior of Hagia Sophia provide examples of the use of these stones.

5. Modern Art

• Contemporary Sculpture:
  • Modern artists use natural stones in abstract sculptures and installations to highlight their natural beauty. Sculptors such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore reflected the natural texture and forms of stone in their works.
• Jewelry Design:
  • In today's jewelry design, natural stones are used to create unique and personal designs. Artists combine the colors and textures of different stones to create unique pieces.

Examples and Resources

• Michelangelo's "David" Statue: It is one of the most impressive examples of marble sculpture.
• Tutankhamun's Funeral Mask: An ancient Egyptian artifact made of lapis lazuli, turquoise and gold.
• Hagia Sophia Mosaics: These are examples of mosaics made using natural stone and glass from the Byzantine period.
• Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore: They are the leading names in the use of natural stones in modern sculpture.

The place of natural stones in art has great historical and cultural importance. These stones are considered to be elements that carry aesthetic and symbolic values, beyond being just a material for artists.