The Most Famous Marble in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the marble you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 21, 2024 08:14

In the world of sculptors and architecture enthusiasts, knowing which type of marble holds the crown can spark endless debates and influence major projects. Having a frequently updated ranking based on popular opinion can serve as a useful guide for artists selecting their mediums and architects deciding on materials for their next big designs. This kind of engagement helps keep the artistic and design communities vibrant and informed. By casting a vote on this list, users contribute to a collective opinion that shapes real-world decisions and trends in the art and architecture worlds. It also allows enthusiasts to see how their personal favorites fare against others in public perception. Through user participation, the rankings offer a dynamic snapshot of what styles and materials are currently leading the pack and setting industry standards.

Who Is the Most Famous Marble in the World?

1

44
votes
David

Michelangelo's famous marble sculpture depicting the biblical hero David, located in Florence, Italy. It is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
The David is a magnificent marble statue of a standing male nude figure. It depicts the biblical hero David, poised in a powerful and confident pose, ready to confront the giant Goliath.

Material: Marble

Height: 17 feet (5.17 meters)

Weight: 12,478 pounds (5,660 kg)

Year of completion: 1504

Location: Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy
2

33
votes
Dion Hinchcliffe · CC BY-SA 2.5

Venus de Milo

A Hellenistic sculpture of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, located in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is one of the most famous ancient Greek sculptures in the world.
The Venus de Milo is a famous ancient Greek marble sculpture depicting the goddess Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology) believed to have been created between 130 and 100 BCE. It is currently displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The sculpture is renowned for its exquisite beauty and the mystery surrounding its missing arms.

Title: Venus de Milo

Date: 130-100 BCE

Culture: Ancient Greek

Medium: Marble

Height: 203 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Venus de Milo in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful woman statue
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful sculpture
3

26
votes
The Thinker

Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin's bronze sculpture of a man in deep contemplation, based on Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. There are several marble versions of the sculpture located around the world.
The Thinker is a celebrated sculpture depicting a seated male figure in deep contemplation. The figure is shown resting his chin on his hand, with his elbow resting on his knee, as though lost in thought. It is widely regarded as a symbol of philosophy and introspection.

Year of Creation: 1880-1881

Materials: Bronze

Dimensions: Height: 73 cm (28.7 in), Width: 46.5 cm (18.3 in), Depth: 64.5 cm (25.4 in)

Weight: Approximately 180 kg (397 lbs)

Style: Symbolism
The Thinker in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful sculpture
4

22
votes

Hagesandros, Athenedoros, and Polydoros · CC BY-SA 4.0

Laocoon and His Sons

An ancient Greek sculpture depicting the Trojan priest Laocoon and his sons being attacked by sea serpents. It is located in the Vatican Museums in Rome and is considered one of the finest examples of Hellenistic sculpture.
5

22
votes

Pieta

Another famous marble sculpture by Michelangelo, located in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.
6

6
votes

Livioandronico2013 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Apollo Belvedere

A Roman copy of a Greek original depicting the god Apollo, located in the Vatican Museums. It is considered one of the greatest Hellenistic sculptures and has been a major influence on Western art.
7

9
votes
Shonagon · CC0

Winged Victory of Samothrace

A Hellenistic sculpture of the goddess Nike (Victory) located in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Hellenistic sculpture.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a Hellenistic marble statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The sculpture is a depiction of Nike standing on the prow of a ship with her arms outstretched like wings. It is hailed as one of the greatest masterpieces of sculpture from ancient Greece and is admired for its dynamic and dramatic composition.

Height: 5.57 meters (18.2 feet)

Material: Marble

Date: Estimated to have been created around 190 BCE

Location: Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Style: Hellenistic
Winged Victory of Samothrace in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful woman statue
8

8
votes

Discobolus

An ancient Greek sculpture depicting a discus thrower, located in the British Museum in London. It is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture.
9

6
votes

Moses

Another famous marble sculpture by Michelangelo, located in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. It depicts the biblical figure Moses holding the Ten Commandments.
10

7
votes
Gustav Klimt · Public domain

The Kiss

Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin's marble sculpture depicting a couple locked in a passionate embrace. It is located in the Rodin Museum in Paris and is considered one of the most famous sculptures of the 19th century.
The Kiss is a renowned marble sculpture depicting an intimate embrace between a man and a woman. The couple is shown standing, with their bodies intertwined and their faces locked in a passionate kiss. The sculpture exudes a sense of tenderness, love, and desire.

Year: 1889

Material: Marble

Dimensions: Height: 181 cm (71 in), Width: 112 cm (44 in), Depth: 121 cm (48 in)

Location: Musée Rodin, Paris, France

Style: Symbolist
The Kiss in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful sculpture

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Ranking factors for famous marble

Historical significance

Marble that has been used in famous historical sculptures, buildings, and monuments may be more famous than others.
Rarity

If a type of marble is rare and difficult to acquire, it may be more famous due to its exclusivity.
Appearance

Marble with unique colors, patterns, and characteristics may be more famous due to its aesthetic appeal.
Quality

The quality and durability of the marble may also contribute to its fame and popularity.
Cultural significance

A type of marble that is associated with a specific culture or region may also be more famous.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous marble in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or marble is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1360 views
182 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each marble once every 24 hours. The rank of each marble is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous marble in the world

Marbles have been around for centuries and are one of the oldest toys in the world. However, some marbles have gained more fame than others. One such marble is the "King of Swirl", which was made by the Peltier Glass Company in the 1930s. This marble is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Another famous marble is the "Onion Skin", which was made in Germany in the 1800s. This marble is known for its intricate designs and delicate appearance. However, the most famous marble in the world is arguably the "Christensen Agate Company Superman". This marble, which features a blue and red swirl pattern, was made in the 1940s and is highly prized by collectors. Its popularity has even spawned a market for counterfeit versions, making it even more valuable to those lucky enough to own an original.