Statues, busts, and other specimens of sculpture, are generally well
represented by the Photographic Art; and also very rapidly, in consequence
of their whiteness.
These delineations are susceptible of an almost unlimited variety: since
in the first place, a statue may be placed in any position with regard to
the sun, either directly opposite to it, or at any angle: the directness
or obliquity of the illumination causing of course an immense difference
in the effect. And when a choice has been made of the direction in which
the sun’s rays shall fall, the statue may be then turned round on its
pedestal, which produces a second set of variations no less considerable
than the first. And when to this is added the change of size which is
produced in the image by bringing the Camera Obscura nearer to the statue
or removing it further off, it becomes evident how very great a number of
different effects may be obtained from a single specimen of sculpture.
With regard to many statues, however, a better effect is obtained by
delineating them in cloudy weather than in sunshine. For, the sunshine
causes such strong shadows as sometimes to confuse the subject. To
prevent this, it is a good plan to hold a white cloth on one side of the
statue at a little distance to reflect back the sun’s rays and cause a
faint illumination of the parts which would otherwise be lost in shadow.
[PLATE VI. THE OPEN DOOR.]