The art of transforming rigid stone into lifelike, soft-textured masterpieces is a testament to the skill and creativity of sculptors. By employing a combination of technical precision and artistic intuition, they manipulate hard materials like marble, granite, and limestone to mimic the fluidity of fabric, the suppleness of skin, or the delicacy of petals.

One key technique is the strategic use of light and shadow. Sculptors carefully carve subtle variations in depth and surface finish to create optical effects that suggest softness. For instance, gently undulating surfaces catch light differently, producing a visual softness that belies the stone's hardness.

Another method involves meticulous attention to detail. By refining edges to near-transparency or creating intricate folds that appear to drape naturally, sculptors trick the eye into perceiving malleability. The famous "Veiled Virgin" sculpture exemplifies this, where the marble veil seems to float over the figure beneath.

Modern sculptors also leverage specialized tools like pneumatic chisels and diamond-tipped abrasives to achieve unprecedented levels of detail. These tools allow for controlled removal of material, enabling the creation of textures that appear soft to the touch.

Ultimately, this illusion relies on the sculptor's deep understanding of material behavior, light interaction, and human perception - turning immutable stone into breathtaking representations of softness and movement.