Marble, often perceived today as a symbol of luxury and a key element in interior design and global commerce, held a vastly different meaning in the centuries before scientific enlightenment and the dawn of geology. During this period, marble was not merely a material; it was envisioned as a vibrant, living substance imbued with spiritual qualities, captivating the popular imagination. This perspective stands in stark contrast to our current empirical understanding, which defines marble as a metamorphic rock formed millions of years ago under immense geological pressure and heat deep within the Earth’s crust.
In his new book, “Divine Presence,” Karl Kolbitz, a creative director, author, and former muse of Wolfgang Tillmans, guides readers to reconsider this pre-scientific worldview. This era was characterized by a belief in the tangible reality of miracles, dragons, astrology, and the guiding influence of an unseen yet pervasive divinity, all of which served as frameworks for understanding the world.
English Translation:
Marble, which we now associate with luxury, high-end interiors, and a booming global market, was once viewed differently. Before the age of scientific discovery and geology, marble was not just a stone; it was believed to be a mystical, living entity with spiritual properties. This perception is alien to our modern, science-informed view, where we understand marble as a metamorphic rock formed millions of years ago under intense pressure and heat deep within the Earth. In his new book, “Divine Presence,” Karl Kolbitz, a creative director and author, encourages us to explore this pre-scientific mindset. This was a time when people believed in the reality of miracles, dragons, astrology, and the governance of an unknown but ever-present divinity as ways to comprehend the world.