The Materials and Methods of Sculpture: (Dover Art Instruction)

""The authority and completeness of the work, the dozens of pertinent plates and textual drawings, add immeasurably to its worth."" - Magazine of ArtBefore the publication of this book there was a dearth of competent instructional books on the technical aspects of sculpture. Mr. Rich, a noted sculptor, remedied that need with this clear, comprehensive and precise guide to every aspect of sculpting in wax, plaster, metal, stone, wood, and other materials. Contending that ""a knowledge of materials is the foundation upon which real achievement is based,"" Mr. Rich presents a comprehensive treatment of the origins, nature, properties, and characteristics of various sculpting materials and the methods employed in their use.After an introductory chapter on the studio, technique, and the subject matter of sculpture, the author offers specific, detailed directions for sculpting with plastic earths, plastic wax, and plaster of paris. You'll also find expert chapters on casting, sculptural use of metals, surface treatment of metals, and sculpture in stone and wood as well as such exotic materials as amber, brick, coal, concrete-even butter! In the course of the book, Mr. Rich supplies many pertinent historical and other notes, and documents trends in contemporary sculpture.The book's clear exposition is enhanced by over 275 illustrations, including step-by-step demonstrations of various techniques, and illustrations of works by such well-known sculptors as Brancusi, Paul Manship, Gaston Lachaise, Chaim Gross, Jacob Epstein, and other masters.""A thorough survey of materials and methods that promises to become a standard reference book."" - The Art Digest

Table of Contents:
1. THE ANATOMY OF SCULPTURE A Definition of Sculpture Materials of Sculpture Forms of Sculpture The Subject Matter of Sculpture Technique The Studio 2. THE PLASTIC EARTHS Terra Cotta Preparation of Natural Earth-Clays Modeling with the Plastic Earths Casting with the Plastic Earths Firing Color in Ceramic Sculpture 3. PLASTIC WAX Modeling Wax Carving Wax Composition Clay 4. PLASTER OF PARIS Historical Chemical and Physical Nature Advantages and Disadvantages of Plaster of Paris Mixing Plaster Phenomenon of Setting Hardening and Strengthening Plaster Casts Porosity of Casts Surface Treatment of Plaster Coloring of Plaster Soluble Plaster Negatives Use as a Mold Material for the Castling of Nonferrous Metals Tesso Duro Carving Plaster Modeling with Plaster Storing Plaster 5. CASTING Negative Molds Agar Gelatine or Glue Molds Korogel Plaster of Paris Rubber Molds Sulphur Negative Molds Wax Molds 6. METAL Sculptural Use of Metals Physical Characteristics of Metal Alloys Alluminum Antimony Brass Bronze Copper Gold Iron Lead Nickel Palladium Pewter Platinum Silver Steel Tin Wood's Metal Zinc 7. SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALS Bidri Bronzing Damascening Electroplating Etching Inlaying Niello The Patination of Metals Cleaning Bronze or Brass Polishing Metal Lacquering Metal 8. STONE Origins Granite Limestone Sandstone Marble Boulders Miscellaneous Igneous Miscellaneous Sedimentary Miscellaneous Metamorphic Miscellaneous Minerals Porosity and Outdoor Exposure The Weathering and Preservation of Stone The Durability of Marble on Outdoor Exposure The Durability of Igneous Stones on Outdoor Exposure 9. SCULPTURE IN STONE Tools and Equipment Methods of Approach to Stone Carving The Carving and Treatment of Stone 10. WOOD Nature of Wood Varieties of Wood Weight Sculpture in Wood Seasoning Wood Shrinkage Factors Preservation Finishes Staining Imitation of Graining 11. OTHER SCULPTURAL MATERIALS Amber Brick Butter Coal Concrete Glass Horn and Bone Ice and Snow Ivory Lacquer Lime Mortar Oxychloride or Magnesite Cements Oxysulphate Cements Papier Mache Plastics Soap Terrazzo APPENDIX Scale of Hardness Hydrometry Melting Points of Metals and Alloys Specific Gravity Temperature Conversion Factors Temperature Equivalents of Cones Millimeters into Inches Conversion of Specific Gravity into Ounces and Grams BIBLIOGRAPHY GLOSSARY INDEX