Memorial Sculpture Model for a Child

The Victorians created grand monuments to their loved ones (and themselves) after their passing. While evidence of this dominates cemeteries across America, they become especially large and ornate near the cities that boomed after the Civil War. As a way of remembering people in their most ideal form, virtually all imitated Greek and Roman classical sculpture in some way.

Whether 19th or very early 20th century, the purpose of this plaster carving from northern Vermont is undeniably funerary in nature. It’s an all-too-common and recognizable theme seen on any cemetery visit… in fact, so common and iconic that it was eventually mass produced by metal casters of the period.

Small maquettes carved from soft plaster served as a tangible, visual contract between the carver and the client. Adjustments could be made to a form to fit the client’s specific wishes. Simultaneously, a sculptor worked out and identified the potential difficulties in creating the final piece–undoubtedly in marble.