What historical shifts led to the decline of stone figurative sculptures?

The decline of stone figurative sculptures can be traced to several pivotal historical shifts. The rise of Christianity in late antiquity shifted artistic focus from pagan idols to religious symbolism, diminishing the demand for traditional stone figures. The fall of the Roman Empire disrupted patronage systems, leaving fewer resources for large-scale sculptural projects. During the Middle Ages, the emphasis moved toward architectural ornamentation and relief work, rather than freestanding statues. The Renaissance revived interest in humanism, but preferred bronze and marble for finer details, sidelining coarse stone. Finally, the Industrial Revolution introduced new materials and mass production, making stone carving less economically viable. These cumulative changes reshaped artistic priorities, leading to the gradual decline of stone figurative sculptures.