3-003-716 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Franciscan Sculptor and his Model", by H. S. Marks, from the exhibition of the Royal Academy, 1861. Engraving from a painting. 'It was a strange conceit which led Mr. Marks, a deservedly rising artist, to fashion this amusing picture of a young Franciscan monk labouring in the sculptor's art for the adornment of his monastery, and with one of the lay brothers of the establishment for his model. It was a strange conceit, and very cleverly and with infinite humour has he carried it out. The young sculptor, with an ill-suppressed smile on his intelligent face, is by vigorous blows of the mallet converting the docile model into a gargoyle, or water-spout, just in the slightest degree exaggerating the comical features and still more comical expression of the original. Aged monks stand by, looking on with evident satisfaction and glee, whilst a youth standing on a rude ladder is a respectful observer of a practical joke in which he does not presume actively to participate. The story is capitally told, and the working out in every particular is of the highest artistic merit. This picture was one of the most noteworthy objects in the Royal Academy Exhibition'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.