1. Initial Sketches and Models: Giacometti would begin by sketching and creating small preliminary models in plaster or clay. These were often figurative studies that explored the human form in motion, capturing the essence of movement and the awkwardness of human gait.
2. Large-Scale Plaster Model: He then would proceed to build a larger-scale plaster model, refining the form and proportion. This stage involved numerous revisions and adjustments, as Giacometti meticulously scrutinized every aspect of the figure's posture, stance, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow.
3. Casting in Bronze: Once satisfied with the plaster model, Giacometti would have it cast in bronze. This involved creating a mold of the plaster model and pouring molten bronze into it. The bronze casting process was a demanding one, requiring skilled craftsmanship and precise techniques to ensure a faithful reproduction of the sculpture's intricate details.
4. Finishing and Patination: The bronze casting was then carefully finished and patinated. Patination refers to the application of various chemicals to create a unique surface finish, giving the bronze a distinctive color and texture. Giacometti often favored a dark, weathered patination that enhanced the sculptures' sense of depth and mystery.
Key Characteristics of Giacometti's Walking Man:
* Elongated Proportions: The figures are known for their elongated, spindly limbs, emphasizing the fragility and vulnerability of the human form.
* Thinness and Skeletal Structure: The figures appear almost skeletal, with minimal flesh and a strong emphasis on the underlying bone structure.
* Static Movement: Although the figures are in motion, they appear frozen in time, capturing a moment of suspended action.
* Existentialist Themes: Giacometti's "Walking Man" sculptures often reflect existentialist themes of isolation, alienation, and the struggle to exist in a vast and indifferent universe.
In conclusion, Giacometti's "Walking Man" sculptures were the product of a meticulous and artistic process that combined careful planning, precise execution, and a deep understanding of the human form and its existential implications.