EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR “The Timeless Legacy of Carrara Marble”
Presented by Esteban Nigro
with Additional Commentary by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
Date & Time:
Thursday, May 22, 2025
2:00 – 3:00pm ET | 11:00am – 12:00pm PT |
7:00 – 8:00pm London
EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR | "The Timeless Legacy of Carrara Marble"
Presented by Esteban Nigro
with Additional Commentary by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
Discover the fascinating journey of Carrara marble, from its geological origins to its role in shaping art and architecture throughout history. This webinar will explore the formation of Carrara marble and the unique geological processes that created this prized metamorphic rock. We shall also explore ancient extraction and transport methods, learning about the dangerous “lizzatura” technique used to transport massive blocks down the mountains, and how the Via Carraia led them to the port of Luni. Then, we shall examine Carrara’s role in art and architecture from Roman temples to Renaissance masterpieces and see how Carrara marble became a symbol of power and beauty. And finally, we shall discuss Michelangelo’s obsession with marble and explore the challenges of selecting the perfect block of his famous “Risen Christ” statue from Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome. Join us for this deep dive into the past and present of one of the world’s most iconic marbles, where geology, history, and artistry converge.
The webinar will include a 45-minute lecture followed by 15-minutes of Q&A.
Please note:
Esteban Nigro is a geologist and cultural heritage tour guide, passionate about discovering history in the same place that it happened. He earned his degree in Geology from the University of Buenos Aires in 2008 and went on to study Industrial Engineering for 2 more years. After several years working as a geophysicist for Petrobas and Pampa Energia, Esteban began leading geological tours in Italy (Milan, Florence, Pisa, and the general Tuscany region) and Argentina (Buenos Aires).