"This book is a translation of the 1802 introduction to studio practices for young sculpture students written by Francesco Carradori (1747-1824), a sculptor, restorer, and instructor of sculpture at the Accademia in Florence from 1786 to 1821.".

"Carradori's book of instructions is vital to understanding the art and craft of sculpting as they were practiced before the twentieth century, since little substantial material exists that demonstrates, in an informed, didactic manner, the various tools and techniques used by ancient sculptors.

Carradori's work is the most comprehensive and instructive; it includes thirteen articles that explain how to restore marble sculpture, model clay, work with stucco and wax, cast and finish bronze, and how to carve and enlarge models into marble and stone, as well as seventeen tables that illustrate the arrangement, methods, and tools used in each of these processes. The book also includes the complete Italian text."--BOOK JACKET.