Centurion / Web Page / COLLECTION SERIES MARBLE SCULPTURE by Martin Cooney / For Sale

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by Martin Cooney, Stone Sculptor

Centurion / For Sale / The Liberty Collection

Colorado Yule Marble / 11 x 13 x 21″ / 57.6 lbs / SN260501

Currently Displayed at The Martin Cooney STONEWORKS

121 Liberty Street, Council Grove, Kansas 66846

Please email martincooneysculptor@gmail.com for sales information

Abstract white sculpture featuring smooth curves and an elegant shape, set against a backdrop of sheer curtains.

~ One Hundred and Counting ~

‘Centurion’ was so named because he arrived as number 100 within THE COLLECTION SERIES: my “First One Hundred” COLLECTION SERIES Marble Sculptures, as I like to say. Under normal circumstances, the name of a sculpture duly arrives as the rough block is being shaped up upon the banker, in the workshop, during the carving process. But with the certain knowledge that my first century of fine art marble sculpture was rapidly approaching, I had purposely set aside a rough block of Colorado Yule Marble as the vehicle with which to carve a piece that would reflect and epitomize the previous ninety-nine creations.

A sculptural piece made of white material, featuring a smooth, curved design with a distinct cutout at the top.

~ ~ ~

~ Rough block ~ Opaque translucence ~ Solid white marble ~

~ Please click on an image to enlarge ~

I selected this rough block, recently split from The Liberty Slab for what would be the 33^rd Liberty Collection sculpture, due to its characteristics and potential to encapsulate the nucleus of features that now define THE COLLECTION SERIES as a distinguishable body of work. Therefore, my first consideration was to pick a tall and somewhat slender splinter of marble that would, when finished, stand tall upon an oval and stable base, and would taper to a narrow inclined point – a feature that has arisen time and again, and particularly recently within the current slew of Liberty Collection ‘standing stones’.

A stylized sculpture resembling a heart, illuminated by soft light, set against a dark background.

~ Solar powered translucence ~

Secondly, I needed several flattish areas in which to carve out a series of concave bowl shapes to represent the numerous Hand Carved Marble Bowls that have proven to be a popular and now signature element within THE COLLECTION SERIES, beginning of course with ‘Adam’ and ‘Eve’, way back in 2012, when the series was still in its infancy. These sweeping ‘bowls’, with their narrow walls, are the vehicle for ‘Centurion’s stunning opaque translucence, that serves to steal the show when set against a strong light source.

A modern sculpture of a stylized, abstract figure with a heart shape, illuminated by soft lighting.

~ ~ ~

A modern abstract sculpture with smooth, flowing curves, displayed against a backdrop of sheer, light-colored fabric.

~ Spot the drill hole ~

And one rather curious attribute to my ‘Split and Carve’ dynamic Direct Method procedure that I employ to create the vast majority of COLLECTION SERIES Marble Sculpture, and a feature that I really wanted to include in this commemorative piece, is the silhouette of a hole drilled into the stone than rent apart, via a row of plug and feathers, the marble to create the rough block from which ‘Centurion’ was created. It appears at the uppermost point of the canine head and forms the jowl-like hollow. Look closely and you can easily spot the rondelle, formed by a 1-inch drill bit, at the bottom of the hole.

A minimalist white sculpture with smooth contours and an abstract shape, positioned against a backdrop of soft, blurred fabric.

~ ~ ~

Close-up view of a textured stone sculpture with a smooth, rounded base and a flat, irregularly shaped top.

~ Split faced head ~

Finally, I wanted a piece that included a section of ‘split faced’ marble, created via a single mallet blow upon a set of traditional plug and feathers – this being the ancient stone splitting method I have routinely employed throughout the entirety of my COLLECTION SERIES’ sculptural journey – since the very, very beginning in fact, with the creation of ‘Genesis’ all those years ago. However, these shiny fractured features, glinting with tiny calcium crystals that serve to dazzle the eyes when properly illuminated, are routinely worked over and polished to the now familiar ‘smooth-as-silk’ COLLECTION SERIES matte luster finish. But occasionally they make an appearance, when appropriate.

A modern white sculpture with smooth, flowing lines and abstract shapes, set against a softly lit background.

~ Large inverted bowls ~

~ Taking shape ~

‘Centurion’s carving process thankfully presented little in the way of inconvenient surprises, and so the whole procedure went as smoothly and predictably as could be; which, as you may imagine with this sort of ‘Direct Method’ carving is not always the case. His pristine Colorado Yule Marble is just as white and bright as almost any COLLECTION SERIES Marble Sculpture to date. His name, serial number, and my signature are etched upon the underside of the base, along with my Mason’s Mark, chiseled right alongside them.

A smooth, abstract white sculpture featuring curved lines and a heart-shaped top, illuminated by soft natural light.

~ Long Tall Curvilinear ~ Translucence ~

‘Centurion’ was carved to be viewed in the round, from any angle and in any light, but of course will perform his best standing sentinel when bathed in strong light. And at 57.6 lbs., he is quite easily picked up and moved around – so you may enjoy his watchful presence practically wherever you wish. He’s extremely well balanced, too, so you can place him high, to tower over his environment, or low, to assume a more genteel role in your life. Or switch between the two! Why not? He’ll love you for the change of scenery. You may even wish to take him outdoors from time to time. Upon his return indoors, just give him a quick wipe with a mildly soapy damp cloth, rinse, wipe dry to a buff; and repeat. Half the fun of owning a prominent COLLECTION SERIES Marble Sculpture of mine, like this, is watching him pop up here, there and everywhere … and sometimes, where you least expect to encounter him.