International studio (21.1903/1904(1904))

OME REMARKS ON THE WORK
OF S. PEPYS COCKERELL. BY
k/jG. ULICK BROWNE.
IN criticising any artist or sculptor it is only fair
to endeavour to grasp his ideas, aims, and inten-
tions. With the works of Pepys Cockerell it is
necessary to keep in mind that in any design, com-
position, or treatment he appears aiways to work
consistently and steadiiy towards a definite object.
Everytf}ing teils its own story. The design and
treatment are appropriate to the subject and to the
material. In the design the interest is primarily in
116

HANDLE FOR A SLIDING DOOR
BY S. PEPYS COCKEREI.I.

71%<? c/* .S'.

the conception, then in the lines and in the
composition. In the treatment a general grasp
of form is preferred to a detailed exactitude,
without, however, sacrihcing accuracy of an-
atomy. The actual modelling is indicative of
the material—stone, marble, and brick are
treated as a rule with hardness and sharpness,
in some cases almost to severity, which is
evidently preferred in grand, solemn, or religious
subjects to softness and redundancy—the hard-
ness of the Theseus in the Eigin Marbles of
Phidias to the softness of the Hermes of Praxi-
teles, if one may compare small things with
great. Bronze, on the other hand, being a
ductile material, is treated more freely. That
Pepys Cockerell is, however, capable of relax-
ing the severity of his marble, etc., when
necessary, is apparent when he undertakes sub-
jects of a lighter nature. Nevertheless, be the
subject or purpose what it may, the same endea-
vour to attain beauty by rieh lines and few of
them, is shown in a marked degree in all the
work he undertakes. His style, if it may be so

"THE IXFANT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST"
HY T. J. CLAPPERTON