Marble as a theological tool: a guide to the medium favored by Late Gothic and Early Renaissance artists who sought to encapsulate the divine
How do you represent the divine and the central miracles of Christianity? Divine Presence explores this question through the captivating world of marble representations in Late Gothic and Early Renaissance art. This groundbreaking study reveals how painters—including Fra Angelico, Bellini, Crivelli and Mantegna—transformed depictions of marble from mere decoration into a powerful theological tool. By blending naturalistic detail with imaginative color and texture, these artists created visual meditations on creation, incarnation, resurrection and divine presence. Rooted in ancient beliefs that marble was a living substance, their works made the ineffable visible, inviting viewers to glimpse heaven through pigment and stone. The first visual study of this widespread visual phenomenon, Divine Presence offers fresh insights for art lovers, culture enthusiasts and history buffs. Through stunning imagery, original research and engaging texts, this book uncovers the spiritual and devotional power of painted marbles.
Karl Kolbitz is an editor and author whose projects, at the intersection of art, architecture, and design, have gained international acclaim. His publications explore subjects hidden in the everyday, bringing the seemingly incidental to the forefront. He gained international recognition with Entryways of Milan (2017), a homage to the city's modern architecture. In 2021, he followed up with Gio Ponti, the most comprehensive publication on the life and work of the Italian architect and designer.
