Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure (Dover Art Instruction) Kindle Edition

This book may be regarded as the sculptor's bible!

A good reference for complete modeling procedures. Also a good source for anatomy of human structure.

I used this book to learn how to sculpt realistic human faces and heads out of modelling chocolate. I found quickly that while it has great depth of information in terms of muscular structure, I was able to skim that for the pertinent details relative to my project and skip the rest. I appreciate that Lanteri took the time to list all of the names of the different facial muscles, but I didn't need to learn them in order to work my project.The advice about using different lighting, the breakdown and order of construction of facial elements, emulating hair, and other instructions were extremely helpful. At a meeting of my local cake club, I did a demonstration of how I made the head on my award-winning Wolverine cake based on Lanteri's book and told everyone that this book is a vital manual should any of them wish to attempt to construct a realistic human sculpture.The instructions for clay translate well to modelling chocolate, so I highly recommend this book for any cake artist looking for tips on how to branch beyond cartoonish figures.That being said, where it fell short for me was the assumption that I'd have the subject in person before me in order to use calipers for measurements. Since Hugh Jackman hasn't yet seen fit to come to my kitchen to be measured, I had to go by a series of images found online. I recognize that Lanteri's book predates using Google Images for sculptural inspiration, but I really could have used a lot more advice on translating two-dimensional images into a three-dimensional form. I tried to wing it on my own via lots of measurements and ratio calculations, and got close, but not quite right.All in all, I recommend it to those who have varying levels of experience but a high level of patience and willingness to go slowly and practice. The instructions should work well for a variety of media including clay, modelling chocolate, polymer clay, or anything else that can be kept soft for long-term working.

The book was recommended to me while studying in Italy by a world class Sculptor, Professor and heir apparent to Malvina Hoffman, Vincent Ricci. I've read it many times and each time I've grown more appreciative. Though often dry and lacking eye candy it's the closest thing to sitting in a classroom in 15th century Florence. Modeling by Edouard Lanteri and the follow up volume 2 are truly the foundation of nearly every instructional book in print. Long before the overly intellectualized works attempting to pass for art there were sculptors that could actually sculpt. Lanteri's book is a return to century's old teachings, a manual that offers a complete knowledge of modeling and sculpture.

Best book for sculptors

Modelling & Sculpting the Human Figure (Dover Art Instruction) is a detailed study of sculpting & modeling by Edouard. Lanteri. He was a renowned teacher of "artistic anatomy" & friend to Rodin in the late 1800s & early 1900s. So, although more current modeling & sculpturing books have been published, this reprint provides the student with the do's & don'ts of sculptor from a Master. It has lots of illustrations to assist the beginning student, as well as the professional. This is a Learning book and a studio companion!

The writer of the 'Forward', claims this book to be "A Four Year Art Course, if the artist performs all of the 'Lessons'". After using the book for three years, I completely agree. Lanteri has even included sections on Sculpting Drapery, and creating The Relief.As far as a comprehensive 'How to Sculpt' book, this is the best one I have ever seen.Let's not forget, Auguste Rodin referred to Edouard Lanteri, as "Dear Master..."

This is the top rated book according to our instructor. It is the most thorough book of its kind since sculpting has become a sort oflost art. Our instructor is a professional sculptor and his work is in museums around the country and has sculpted for Hollywood films.I find the book very interesting and helpful. It is a bit old for today but it is an excellent guide for the beginner as well as the professional.