Seven Female Figures.
This beautiful statuary tableau is represented in the following
manner: Six females kneel in a circle, and support a circular shield
three feet in diameter, on which stands a young lady who represents
Faith. Her right hand grasps a cross; the left is raised, the
forefinger pointing upward. The six ladies should be dressed in pure
white robes, cut low at the top. The hair is encircled with a wreath
of white flowers. No ornaments of any kind are to be worn. The hair
can be arranged to suit the taste of the performers. Their positions
are as follows: The two figures supporting the front of the shield
will partially face each other, resting the right knee on the floor,
and facing outward from the circle, both hands touching the shield
above. Two other ladies form behind the right hand figures, in the
same position, and two more form behind the left hand figures. They
will all face outward, and support the shield with both hands. The
eyes should be cast down, the expression of the face serene. It will
be necessary, before the ladies take their position, to place the
shield on a pedestal one foot square, and high enough to allow the
figures to kneel beneath. Cover the pedestal and shield with white
cloth. After the six figures have taken their positions, the figure of
Faith should be assisted to her position on the top of the shield. She
must be of good figure, small, regular features, and dark hair, which
should be quite long. Her dress consists of a long, white robe, made
to trail on the top of the shield, the waist encircled with a large
white cord, with two white tassels attached; the hair brushed back
from the head, clasped with a silver band, and allowed to flow loosely
over the shoulders; the head is adorned with a small band of silver,
one fourth of an inch wide, with a small silver cross, in the centre.
She is to stand perfectly erect in the centre of the shield, the cross
resting on the right shoulder; the eyes lifted, as in devotion; the
expression of the face calm, and yet denoting firmness and energy; the
light should be soft, and come from the front right hand corner of the
stage; the figures who support the shield must be partially thrown in
the shade, while Faith receives the most of the light. Music
accompanying this piece should be of a sacred character.