ASPECTS OF SCULPTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21273, 29 August 1932, Page 10

ASPECTS OF SCULPTURE

ARCHITECTURAL AND FREE IMPORTANCE OF MODELLING The functions of architectural and free sculpture and the development of the art from the days of tho Egyptians were outlined yesterday by Mr. W. 11. Wright in an address given under tho auspices of tho City Council at the Art Gallery. Jhe lecture was the second of a short series dealing with different aspects of art. Professor 11. W. Segar presided over a largo attendance. After defining sculpture as tho artistic rendering of a form in any material, whether modelled or carved, Mr. Wright said that there was a general misconception regarding modelling, which was commonly regarded as being an inferior form of art to carving stone, Most great sculptors were excellent modellers, and works prized most highly by tho Greeks wero modelled first and then cast from tho model in bronze. Sculpture could bo divided in two branches, architectural and free. Architectural sculpture was governed chiefly by the nature of the building, as in addition to beautifying it, the figures should be allied to the purposes of the structure. Sculpture on buildings could properly oniy occupy certain portions, as it was a principle of architects not to carve finy column tr other part bearing weight. The frieze on the Parthenon \vas an excellent example of decorative work properly applied, as it was placed between the bearing members of the colonnade, and at the same time appeared a solid part of the wall. Free sculpturo enjoyed no restrictions. The sculptor's first task was to make a small scale model of the figuro or group, then building a framework to cany tho clay. After the modelling was completed, a plaster cast was made, and from this the bronze figure was cast. In making a marble statue, the artist first made a fullsize plaster cast, and from this a workman, using a pointer, an instrument for measuring all the dimensions, was able to carve the block, which the sculptor finished. There had recently been a movement among some artists to carve direct on the marble. Mr. Wright detailed the characteristics of the four main periods in sculpture, the Egyptian, tho Greek, the Gothic and the Italian Renaissance, showing the development of the art from period to period.