Humans have long copied marble and what that says about us
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Mary McGillivray, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne, investigated the history of humans creating imitations of marble across Europe.
For thousands of years, people have valued marble for its appearance and qualities. McGillivray’s research shows that throughout history, people have developed methods to replicate marble using casting, plaster, and paint. This practice extends beyond simply finding a less expensive substitute for the real material.
McGillivray argues that our long-standing fascination with both marble and its imitations reveals a deeper relationship between humanity and the natural world. The investigation traces these imitation techniques from ancient Rome to contemporary retail stores. By studying how people have attempted to recreate marble, McGillivray suggests we can understand how humans are inspired by nature and, at the same time, try to compete with it.
