Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-11-21
BUILDING A STATUE.
The Mechanical Part of the Work Re-
quires Great Skill.

Quires Great Skill.
After the artist has got clear idea
of the thing he is going to do he makes
a clay model or ''sketch or study
figure commonly about 2 feet in
height, which is formed in potter's clay
and enables the artist to experiment
with the action and draping of the figure,
as the parts can be readily bent and
pushed about, for, however clearly the
image may be defined in the mind, as
the work progresses notifications are
suggested which tempt the artist to
vary from the original conception. This
preliminary study may engage his at
tention through several months, as upon
it depend the composition and character
of the full size statue.
Having completed the study figure,
preparations are made for the larger
work. We will assume that the statue
is to be male figure, of heroic size,
standing in an easy, upright posture
and clothed with the ordinary male at
tire. A low, strongly constructed bench
known as ''banca"-is placed in a
proper relation to the lighting of the
studio Upon this bench a somewhat
rude but carefully constructed iron
framework is erected, corresponding in
its general features to the human skele-
ton and consisting of an iron standard
firmly fastened to the top Of the bench
and long enough to reach the top of the
breast bone.
A piece of stout lead pipe, long enough
to nearly reach the crown of the head,
is attached to the upper end of the
standard, which enables the modeler to
give the desired action to the head by
bending the neck of the figure. A cross
piece of wood or iron is firmly fastened
to the standard at the line of the shoul-
ders, to either end of which is attached
a piece of lead pipe representing the
bones of the arm. A similar crosspiece
is placed at the line of the hips, to one
end of which is attached piece of lead
pipe, which serves as the bones of the
leg, which may be slightly bent at the
knee, and is also firmly fastened to the
top of the bench, the iron standard,
which is the main support of the figure,
serving similar purpose for the other
limb. The lengths, positions and bend
ings of these several pieces must be de-
termined with absolute accuracy to keep
the metal within the outline of the fig
ure and to avoid their interference with
the modelling of the surface parts.
From all parts of the framework a
large number of small wooden crosses
cr1cr,on6a6 1xy xx71r which
serve as supports to the mass of clay,
which in its plastic state will settle
and defeat the best efforts of the modeler.
The soft clay is now firmly packed with
the hands around the various parts of
the skeleton until the efigy begins to
assume the proportions and outline OF
the human figure. The utmost care is
required in placing the shoulders. hips,
knee joints and other salient points in
their precise proper relation to each 9TH
er, for not only the pose and proper
tions, but the success of the draping
depend upon accuracy in these particu-
lars. The figure is first carefully model
ed in nude condition, and then the
drapery is laid on fold by fold, all being
carefully reproduced from the prelimi-
nary sketch model and improved by
constant reference to real clothing
worn by living person employed for
the purpose. During the progress of
such a work, which may occupy the
sculptor one or two years, the clay re-
quires constant attention to avoid dry
ing, settling and cracking, and is kept
in proper condition by a judicious
sprinkling of water several times each
day and the immediate filling with
fresh clay of every appearance of crack.
As soon as the statue is completed in
clay and while yet in a plastic condition
a mold is made over it with plaster of
paris in manner that admits of its be-
ing lifted away from the clay model in
sections of convenient size. This process
involves the destruction of the clay
model, but perfect matrix or mold is
secured, into which fresh plaster is cast,
and when this is sufficiently set the
mold is Clipped off with chisel and
mallet, leaving perfect reproduction
of the clay figure in pure white plaster.
IF the final work is to be in marble, the
plaster cast is given over to an exper
marble worker, who by mechanical
means reduces the block of marble to
facsimile of the plaster. If the statue is
to be in bronze, the model is placed in
the hands of the bronze founders
Monument Sculptor and Decorator.
If more attention were given the might
toilet, rest would be better, sleep sweet.
er and dreams pleasanter. A bath will
rout the nightmare, but it should be
taken at least two hours after the even.
ing meal, III cool water and with no
more rubbing than is needed for dry.
ing The hot bath is good when there is
Inflammation, as it ''draws. - Cold wa
ter is stimulating. and the reaction may
induce wakefulness. Ordinarily the cool
dip will cool the blood, be tonic enough
to arrest wasting tissue, and prepare tina
body for refreshing sleep.-New York
Dispatch.