Three Female Figures.
This exquisite statue tableau represents a beautiful vase, the sides
of which are ornamented with statues, personifying Spring, Summer, and
Autumn. The vase is made to revolve by machinery. Three ladies of good
figure and features, and of equal height, are required, to fill out
the design. Their costumes consist of long white muslin robes, worn
with few under skirts, cut low at the neck, sleeves reaching to the
elbow, and flowing, white hose and slippers; hair combed up from the
forehead, clasped with a band of silver behind, and allowed to hang in
heavy curls in the neck; a string of small wax or spar beads entwined
about the top of the head, the ends trailing among the curls; a
bouquet of white flowers placed on the front of the waist, and a white
rose fastened to the front of the spar wreath which adorns the head;
the exposed portions of the body made as white as possible.
The stage machinery is constructed in the following manner: After
arranging the revolving beam beneath the stage, (described in the
"Bust of Proserpine,") the base of the vase should be fastened to the
top of the shaft which protrudes through the floor, and fastened so
firmly that the weight of the three females will not impede the
revolutions. It must also be constructed so that it can be easily
shipped and unshipped. The base is of octagon form, two feet in
diameter, one foot thick, and ornamented with small scrolls around the
sides, the whole to be covered with white cloth, and decorated with
artificial or painted wreaths and festoons of flowers. On the top of
the base there must be a box one foot high, and five inches square,
fastened firmly to the main body with iron braces; this is for the
insertion of the shaft of the vase, which is made of joist, four
inches square, six feet in length, and painted white. The top or bowl
of the vase should be made in the form of a saucer; the material used
in its composition must be light; its dimensions, four feet in
diameter, with a square cavity in the centre, in which to place the
shaft; cover the exterior with white cloth; around the top paint a
wreath of large flowers, and from the centre to the rim paint other
festoons of smaller flowers four inches apart; around the cavity where
the shaft enters, place three pieces of wood, made and painted to
resemble large leaves, the size of which should be seven inches in
length by five in width. The vase can be made in one piece, if there
is sufficient room for the accommodation of so large a piece of
furniture. But for a small stage it will be better to have it in
three parts. The ladies stand on the base of the vase, with their
backs against the shaft, the top of the head just touching the bottom
of the large leaves, the head and body perfectly erect, the hands of
the three clasped at the side, and holding the ends of festoons of
colored flowers, eyes slightly raised, countenance calm and pleasant.
The festoons must run from the hands of the statues to the shaft,
fastened there, and pass down to the other hand, and so on around the
three figures. The vase should revolve quite slowly, and be put in
motion while the curtain is rising. Gauze before this piece will add
to the effect. The light must come from the left side of the stage,
and be of medium brilliancy. Music soft and plaintive.