Modelling
The art of designing or copying works of art in clay, for the purpose of obtaining moulds in which they may be cast in plaster or metal. The fingers, aided by a few implements of metal or wood,--usually both,--are the only tools required for fashioning the clay. Ordinarily, the common potters'-clay will serve this purpose; but for designs which occupy a lengthened period to produce, it is mixed with other ingredients to keep it in a moist condition. The support of a figure in modelling is of great importance, requiring in some instances a skeleton of wood or iron supports on which to work the clay. When the model is complete, a plaster impression of the same is taken in sections, which are then placed together in precisely the same position as they occupied on the model; the space originally occupied by the model is now filled with plaster, and when the cast is well set the mould is carefully taken off, exposing a finished cast of the model. This is a much better plan than that of the ancient sculptors, who simply dried the clay model; but clay cracks and shrinks in drying, therefore plaster-casts from the models are best. See FOUNDING OF STATUES; MODELLING-CLAY.