What materials did Arnaldo Giannelli commonly use in his sculptures?

Arnaldo Giannelli is closely associated with alabaster, a soft stone widely used in Italy for decorative carving. Alabaster from regions such as Volterra has been prized since Etruscan times, and by the 1800s, it supported a large carving industry. Giannelli’s works often show the creamy, slightly translucent quality of this material, which allows fine surface detail without the hardness of marble. Alabaster made it possible to carve delicate features such as lace collars, curls of hair, and ornamental patterns. Some of Giannelli’s pieces show hand-finished polishing, giving a satin-like surface. This finish helped enhance the light tones typical of classical female busts. While marble was used by many Italian sculptors, alabaster offered a lower cost and faster working time. A skilled artisan could complete a medium-sized bust within weeks rather than months. That made Giannelli’s sculptures more accessible to buyers across Europe. Many surviving examples still show light patina and minor wear, which collectors often see as a sign of age and authenticity.