New Ideas for Work and Play: What a Girl Can Make and Do

by Lina Beard; Adelia B. Beard

CHAPTER XXIV
STATUARY TABLEAUX

In the first place the statues must be white—not nearly white, but very white—flesh, hair, and costume; then the background must be black, a dead, lustreless black. Given these two requisites any figure, or group of figures, will look like statuary; and when care and pains are taken in the posing and draping and the proper light is thrown on them, the living, breathing, warm flesh and blood so closely resembles the cold, lifeless marble, it is difficult to realize one is not looking at statues carved by the hand of man.

The Stage

Arrange the background on the stage in the form of a three-fold screen, with sides slanting outward to the front. When possible, the top of this space should also be covered with the black material, slanting up to the front; in this way the statues are entirely boxed in, the only opening being the front of the stage. That is, the only apparent opening, for between the back and side panels a space about one foot wide must be left for side-lights, and on this account the back should extend at least one foot beyond each side-panel.

The Lights

A strong calcium light directly in front of the stage, though some distance from it, is best for amateur tableaux, and the side-lights at the back need be used only when it is imperative that no shadows shall be cast on the background, as in the case of the armless statues. With the cross-lights thrown behind the statue, the black-covered arms melt into the black background with no shadows to betray their presence. Tall piano lamps are best for this purpose.

Again, the front light may be placed nearer one side of the audience-room, and a pleasing effect of light and shade on the statuary itself be produced.

Pedestals

Place a platform about one foot high, and of a size to hold the largest group, in the centre of the stage, and leave it there as a base for all other pedestals. Packing boxes of various sizes, chosen to suit the statues, make excellent pedestals, and these, as well as the platform, must be smoothly covered with white cotton cloth.