Who is recognized as a master of the subtractive technique in sculpture?

Michelangelo is recognized as a master of the subtractive technique in sculpture because he predominantly worked with materials like marble, where the sculptor removes material to create forms. This technique involves chiseling away from a solid block to reveal the finished piece, allowing the artist to shape the sculpture from the existing material.

Michelangelo's works, such as the statue of David and the figures in the Sistine Chapel, exemplify his expertise in utilizing the subtractive method to transform raw stone into lifelike human forms. His ability to convey movement and emotion through the careful removal of material highlights his mastery and understanding of human anatomy and the properties of stone.

While other artists like Picasso and Rodin also engaged in sculptural practices, their primary contributions lie in different styles or mediums. Picasso, known for his pioneering work in cubism, often used assemblage rather than traditional subtractive techniques. Henry Moore is celebrated for his modernist approach to form and space, often working more abstractly, which may not fit neatly into the subtractive technique definition. Rodin, although he also used a subtractive method, incorporated more modeling in clay and other materials, making his technique somewhat different from Michelangelo's classical approach.