About Quarra Italia
Where Renaissance Tradition Meets Contemporary Vision
Quarra Italia represents the convergence of centuries-old Tuscan artisanal mastery and modern architectural innovation. Based in Pietrasanta—the cradle of international sculpture—we preserve and advance the art of marble craftsmanship for collectors, artists, institutions, and architects worldwide.
From faithful replicas of classical masterpieces to original works for contemporary artists. From sacred monuments to architectural restoration. Each work receives meticulous dedication and care, serving private collectors and public, religious, and museum institutions across the globe.
Quarra Italia History
The Beginning: Danilo Cervietti’s Vision
Our story begins in the 1920s in Pietrasanta, where young Danilo Cervietti first entered the marble workshops that would shape his destiny. For over forty years, he refined his craft in the region’s most prestigious studios, developing the expertise and artistic sensitivity that led him to open his own workshop in 1962 with his son Franco Cervietti and brothers Moreno and Sergio.
Building an International Reputation
Under Franco’s leadership, the studio became internationally recognized for exceptional technical skill and meticulous attention to detail, collaborating with major
artists including Fernando Botero, Jeff Koons, Igor Mitoraj, Marc Quinn, Santiago Calatrava, and Giuliano Vangi. A defining achievement was building an extraordinary collection of 2,500 plaster models, including a full-scale plaster copy of Michelangelo’s David dating to the late 1800s.
November 2024: A New Chapter
Studio Franco Cervietti was acquired by Quarra Italia, the Italian partner of U.S.-based Quarra Stone. Led by entrepreneur and art enthusiast Jim Durham, the acquisition preserves the studio’s identity while creating new momentum, including a dedicated architectural department for large-scale projects. Franco Cervietti continues as artistic consultant, ensuring the family tradition lives on.
Tools of the Trade
Master Artisans and
Classical Methods
Under the artistic direction of Martin Foot, our team of 12 specialized artisans work in the classical divisions of sculptural labor: roughers, ornamentists, sculptors, panelists, and finishers. Each brings years of experience rooted in manual practice and oral knowledge transmission—techniques passed down since the Renaissance.
Tradition Meets Technology
While deeply traditional in spirit, we integrate contemporary tools like the pantograph to support preparatory phases. The hand and eye of the artist, however, remain central to every creation.
The Plaster Collection: Our Living Archive
Our collection of 2,500 plaster models is an essential working tool, allowing us to create marble replicas “a regola d’arte”—with the precision and accuracy that only original models can guarantee. This collection is integral to our artistic and cultural identity.
Timeline
Our Philosophy
We believe marble is a living artistic language—one that connects classical culture, spirituality, and contemporary vision. Our commitment is to technical excellence, historical accuracy, and the preservation of techniques that might otherwise be lost to time.
The richness of our plaster model collection, artisanal mastery, and family continuity make us not just a workshop, but a living cultural legacy projected into the future. We honor the past while building for tomorrow, ensuring that the art of marble sculpture thrives for generations to come.
Our Work Spans Continents
Sacred Spaces:
- Three monumental statues for St. Peter’s Basilica
- Statue of Saint Teresa of Calcutta for the Basilica of the National Shrine (Washington D.C.)
- Marble ambo for Cathedral of Pisa
- Monumental relief for Basilica of Saint Pio (Renzo Piano project)
Classical Replicas:
- Six full-scale replicas of Michelangelo’s David across five continents
- First authorized replica of Canova’s Princess Leopoldina Esterhazy
- Complete reproduction of Versailles’ Fountain of Apollo
Public Monuments:
- Busts of George H.W. Bush Sr. and Abraham Lincoln (U.S. Capitol)
- Eighteen mythological sculptures (Nagasaki, Japan)
- Ongoing work with Milan Cathedral
Connect With Us
Whether you’re an artist seeking collaborators, an institution planning a monumental project, or a collector drawn to classical beauty, we invite you to explore what’s possible when tradition meets innovation.