Vines of Grapes Bowl   V58

The awe-inspiring Masterpiece! Carving requires a sure knowledge of the final form desired, for a material such as marble or granite cannot be restored once it is cut off. To lessen the risk of error sculptors often make small models in clay, wax, or plasticine, scaled to proper proportions, before undertaking the final carving. Sometimes a pointing machine is used to help transfer the exact contours of the model to the final stone. This machine, which mounts a movable needle, transfers to the final material a series of points corresponding exactly to those made on the model. With this mechanical guide the sculptor knows just where to carve.