To produce this set a frame up near the front of the stage, over which is tightly stretched the black material of the background. In the centre sew a piece of white cloth cut in an elliptical shape, about two and a half feet long by two feet wide (Fig. 580). Make a laurel wreath of white paper leaves fastened on wire stems and tie at the bottom a bow of white ribbon. Sew or pin the wreath upon the black
Portrait Medallion. background, near enough to allow its inner leaves to lap over the white. Cut in the medallion, and through the background, a hole the shape of, but smaller than, the head and bust. This should be experimented with on other material before the medallion is cut, so that no mistake be made.
The medallion must be placed at a height easily reached by the standing figure of the person posing for the portrait. The head is thrust through the hole, then turned to present a profile view, while the shoulder is held back that it may not protrude too far through the opening. The illustration shows the effect of this tableau.
An Egyptian Statue
is an innovation in statuary tableaux which will receive a warm welcome, but, like the others, it must be well carried out to be a success. The figure and everything pertaining to it must be of one color, not white this time, but gray, all gray, to represent stone.
Study the pictures of old Egyptian statues; notice the costumes, and copy one carefully in gray canton flannel. Gray stockings must be worn and gray sandals, or the sandals may be omitted. Paint the face, arms, and neck with gray pastel, rubbing it on lavishly; this has been used without any harmful effect and is easily washed off with warm water and pure soap. Cover the hair with the typical Egyptian headdress (Fig. 581), made of a square of the gray material. Make
Fig. 281.
Side View.
