• created 2025
• carrara petacchi marble and granite
• 43” H x 20” W x 15” D (109cm H x 51cm W x 38cm D)
• $16,500.00

20 years ago, Binkley purchased this block of marble as inventory for a possible commission. Since no patron’s projects in the ensuing years fit this block, Michael decided to create his own composition. This dramatic sculpture is the result.

Binkley has direct carved the rectangular white Carrara marble block, respecting the original outside dimensions of height, width and depth. The Artist envisioned a female torso that morphed into fabric-like forms above the shoulders and below the thighs. Working from a rough pencil sketch, Binkley carved the female torso’s spine bowed backwards and thrust the hips forward. The figure’s arms are raised up and back, creating the compressed shoulder muscles on her back. The abstract forms top and bottom seem to be fabric that is blowing backwards, as if by a violent wind.

The composition is like a drawn bow, minus an arrow, which creates a sense of tension. Binkley has articulated the anatomical details of the figure, yet contrasted these with the undulating smooth abstract forms top and bottom. The surface of the sculpture is a smooth matte finish which allows the marble to successfully hold the dramatic shadows, yet is wonderful to the touch. The marble sculpture is mounted on a light grey granite base with a highly polished top and ashlar sides. The sculpture can turn to any attitude on the hidden steel pin between the figure and base.

Look at this sculpture in 3D, turning it with your mouse:

Gondolier’s Mistress by stonecarverbinkley on Sketchfab