The opposite curve [Illustration: downward-facing
curve] means secrecy and mystery. This curve ( means amplitude. The other
one, when made in this direction [Illustration] expresses admiration for
physical beauty, and in the other direction [Illustration], admiration for
moral beauty. The entire circle O expresses glorification. These gestures
can be made with the whole arm, with the forearm only, or simply with the
waving hand; the degree of expression varies accordingly.
Lastly, I will speak about the law of opposition. The arm and the head
should move in inverse directions [_illustrating_]; also the arm and the
hand. The statue of the Gladiator is a beautiful example of this law of
opposition. He is what we French call "well based;" you cannot overthrow
him. In contrast to him, my father used to cite Punchinello, the
children's toy, an object of ridicule. Punchinello, when the string is
pulled, raises his right arm and his right leg at the same time.
Notice the different ways in which people scold. The schoolmaster moves
his head from above downward; the boy threatens back, tossing his head
upward.
And now, ladies, I hope that what I have said will move you to take a
deeper interest in my father's work, and enable you to understand his
methods better than heretofore. I shall then feel, when I return to my
country, that I have not crossed the Atlantic in vain.
The Course of Lessons Given in America By Mme.
Pages:
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461