The costume for almost any statue
Costumes.
Pure white Canton flannel is the best material to use, as it drapes most beautifully and takes the true sculptor’s folds. It should not, however, be too heavy in weight, else it will be stiff and unmanageable.
The Greek or classical costume is almost the only kind you will need, and it is made simply of two breadths of the canton flannel sewed together and fastened at the shoulders; the slits for the arms being left open nearly to the waist. Under this is worn a sleeveless waist of the same material. A cord tied around and just under the bust, and the dress pulled up to bag over gives one style of costume; tied around the waist and bagging down far below it, gives another, and both under the bust and around the waist, still another. The dress should be long enough to allow of all this pulling up, and if too long when the statue is mounted on her pedestal, it can be turned up underneath; no hem is necessary on these garments. An extra piece of drapery is almost always a part of the costume, and is used for wrapping around the figure to give the narrow effect at
Fig. 575. the feet; this should be about two yards long and of two breadths of the material sewed together.
Fig. 576.
Make the sandals of white insoles or two pieces of heavy card-board, cut to fit the bottom of the foot, extending half an inch beyond all around.