Final answer:
A marble sculpture is created through a subtractive process called carving, where material is removed from a larger mass to shape the final work. This technique has been used across cultures, with various tools and methods such as bas-relief, and has been exemplified by artists such as Michelangelo.
Step-by-step explanation:
A marble sculpture made by cutting away stone is made in a subtractive process. Carving is an ancient artistic technique that involves the use of chisels, drills, and other tools to remove material from a larger block, creating a three-dimensional work of art. The marble process, particularly favored by the ancient Greeks, starts with larger tools for the initial shaping, followed by finer tools for detail work, and finishes with polishing or painting to complete the statue.
Artists begin with a rough outline and progressively refine the sculpture, sometimes using a maquette as a reference for measurements and details. Notable artists like Michelangelo believed in carving directly into the stone, releasing the form he envisioned within. Bas-relief is another form of carving where the image is created by cutting away the background to give a sculpted piece its three-dimensional appearance. Overall, each culture has developed its unique tools and techniques to accomplish their desired artistic effects through carving.