In spite of marble’s seemingly hard credentials, the metamorphic rock was/is the favorite of sculptors around the world because of its working ‘softness’. The very nature of marble makes it easier to carve, while its homogeneity endows the much needed uniformity to the resultant sculpture. Britisher Matthew Simmonds must know this better than many people, as is evident from his gorgeously crafted specimens of miniature historic monuments.

Over the ages, marble has been the canvas for artisans and architects to project their expertise in representing ‘natural’ elements like human forms, floral motifs and organic engravings. Simmonds, who is an art-historian-turned-stone-carver, has put a twist to this prevalent artistic trend by replicating man-made projects (instead of natural components) entirely in marble.

Suffice it to say, the results are breathtaking, with many of his designs meticulously showcasing the authentic interiors of famous historical buildings like Westminster Abbey, Ely Cathedral and even ancient Roman and Greek temples.

The striking details are mostly evident from the building galleries that are flanked by the immaculately contrived columns. These vertical members comprise of all the major sections (albeit in a miniature scale), including the cornices, frieze, capitals, shafts, bases and the ending pedestals.

You can give a gander at some magnificent works done by Matthew Simmonds in his website. As for now, you are certainly free to gawk at some of the wondrous images below this post.

Via: LostatEMinor