Head Wax

We are often amazed at how lifelike one can make a wax figurine. Some recall the number of wax museums you could visit when growing up. So what is the history of wax figurines and is wax still being used to create lifelike people?
Beeswax has historically always been an excellent medium for preparing figures and models, either through carving or by casting in molds. At ordinary temperatures, wax can easily be cut and shaped; it melts at a low temperature; it mixes with any coloring matter, and takes surface tints well. Its texture and consistency may be modified by the addition of earthy matters and oils or fats and when molten, it is highly responsive to impressions from a mold. With wax, once it sets and hardens its form is relatively resilient against ordinary temperature variations, even when it is cast in thin laminae. This is possibly why we have seen wax used for modeling since the Middle Ages.
During the Italian Renaissance, modeling in wax took a position of high importance, and it was practiced by some of the greatest of the early masters. The bronze medallions of Pisanello and of the other famous medalists owe their value to the properties of wax: all early bronzes and metalwork were cast from wax models first. The famous wax bust attributed to Leonardo da Vinci acquired in 1909 by the Museum of Berlin is the work of an English forger who worked about 1840. The wax model of a head, at the Wicar Museum at Lille, belongs probably to the school of Canova, which robs it of none of its exquisite grace.
There are a number of very high quality wax figures from the 16th and 17th centuries, mostly portrait figures and religious or mythological scenes, often with many figures. Antonio Abondio (1538-91) pioneered the colored wax portrait miniature in relief, working mainly for the Habsburg and other courts of Northern Europe, and his son Alessandro continued in his footsteps.
Towards the close of the eighteenth century, modeling of medallion portraits and of relief groups, the latter frequently polychromatic, was in considerable vogue throughout Europe. Many of the artists were women. John Flaxman executed in wax many portraits and other relief figures which Josiah Wedgwood translated into pottery for his Jasperware. The National Portrait Gallery has forty wax portraits, mostly from this period.
Meanwhile, as storefronts were becoming popular as was the rise of the mannequin, the idea of using wax seemed the most apparent solution. With wax, models could be created in the most flattering way to the store’s clothing line. One of these great wax model designers was Pierre Imans a mannequin manufacturer from Paris. Imans was known for bringing a beautiful sense of human element to mannequins by capturing body expressions in wax. He created interactive compositions of figures, as though they were in the process of living and unaware that they were also being observed. Heads and torsos were sculpted as one. With a slight turn of the head, a hint of movement was achieved. Hands were more delicately posed to create storytelling attitudes.
Miss Modesty, a wax mannequin of 1899 is a prime example of the development of storytelling attitudes. She stood in a store window, with hands and arms covering her face, stating reservation and shyness because she was wearing and selling corsets and undergarments.
At the turn of the century, the women's suffrage movement was gaining momentum, a definite influence on the female mannequin. In fact, a particular Siegel mannequin that was set upon a turning base (she was without legs) translated into a determined, assertive female of that era. With one arm held back and a hand slightly clenched, her head was high with vision focused straight forward. The other hand was more relaxed, showing a touch of softness. True to the accepted body language of her day, she portrayed the mature woman, with hips thrown back and heavy bosom thrust upwards.
After World War I, countries were plunged into the chaotic realm of picking up the pieces and getting back to the business of normal living. Concurrently, there was a major transition in the type of material used to sculpt mannequins, and there was a move from wax to plaster.
Plaster figures didn't melt in the show windows. They were much lighter in weight, and easier to handle. But at the same time, with plaster, it was more difficult to achieve the detailed features and anatomy that were possible with wax.
Wax figurines are still made today, but not wax mannequins. Today’s mannequin is typically made of fiberglass yet retains the very lifelike features of history’s wax mannequins. Despite the lack of need for mannequins made of wax, the medium of wax is still in high use and may always be due to its numerous qualities.
About the Author
About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of OnlyHangers.com, a leading provider of high quality clothes hangers,including wooden hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com
![]() |
HomeRight C800477 Auto Wash Stick
Sale Price: $21.56 |
DescriptionExtending to 48 inches, it easily reaches those difficult areas, eliminating stretching or bending, and the need for stools and ladders. Clean across hoods, windshields, and the roofs of cars, vans, trucks, and sport utility vehicles without getting wet... Features
|
![]() |
Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher
Sale Price: $32.99 |
DescriptionIncludes 6-in Random Orbit Waxer-Polisher - WP900, Foam Applicator Bonnet, (2) Wool Polishing Bonnets Features
|
![]() |
Black & Decker W007B Waxer/Polisher
Sale Price: $21.99 |
Description7" WAXER/POLISHERERGONOMIC DESIGN FOR A COMFORTABLE HANDLE GRIPLIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN FOR EASIER WAXING & POLISHINGRANDOM ORBIT POLISHING MOVEMENT PROVIDES A SWIRL-FREE FINISHINCLUDES WAXER/POLISHER & 3 CLOTH BONNETSUPC : 885911056557Shipping Dimensions : 13... Features
|
![]() |
Laid to Rest (Unrated Director's Cut)
Sale Price: $5.00 |
DescriptionHow did "the Girl" (Bobbie Sue Luther) wind up locked inside a coffin...while she was still alive? That's what she has to figure out when she awakens with no memory of her creepy abduction. Wandering throughout town desperate for answers, the terrified amnesia victim soon comes face to face with a monstrous masked psychopath who enjoys filming his kills with a shoulder-mounted camcorder... |
![]() |
Putting a Happy Face on Death
Sale Price: $1.99 |
![]() |
Thrillbillies |
![]() |
Panasonic ES246AC Bikini Shaper and Trimmer
Sale Price: $16.60 |
Description.pnaw_overview{background:url(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/hpc/detail-page/pnaw-overview.jpg) no-repeat center; padding:40px 0 0 0; font-weight:bold; font-size:12px; color:#f21975; text-align:center; border: 1px solid #D2D2D2;} ... Features
|
![]() |
Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop Kit, FG1M1600GRYRD
Sale Price: $32.90 |
DescriptionRubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop Kit Whether cleaning up a spill or just cleaning house, you'll save more and waste less with the Rubbermaid Reveal. This lightweight spray mop uses microfiber pads to get the job done, picking up more dirt than traditional mops... Features
|
![]() |
Short Sexy Hair Short & Sexy Gel Hard Up (select option/size) |
DescriptionShort Sexy Hair Short & Sexy Gel Hard Up Extra strong holding gel. Features
|
![]() |
Candy Crate 1960's Retro Candy Gift Box
Sale Price: $29.56 |
DescriptionOur Retro Candy Gift Box is full of favorite nostalgic candy from the 1960's. GREAT GIFT IDEA! Abba Zaba Minis, BB Bats, Big Hunk Minis, Boston Baked Beans, Canada Mints, Candy Buttons, Candy Cigarettes, Charms Assorted Squares, Charms Sweet & Sour Pops, Cherry Heads, Cinnamon Toothpicks, Coconut Bars, Fizzies, Gold Mine Gum, Good & Plenty, Jujubes, Licorice Pipes, Mike & Ike, Red Hots, Sugar Daddy Pops, Sweetarts, Teaberry Gum, Wax Lips, Atomic Fireballs, Candy Necklace, Jawbreakers, Lemonheads, Necco Wafers, Now & Laters & Walnettos... Features
|
Brazilian wax hurts my head-the pain is so strong? Normal?
Is it normal for other people too? I stopped getting brazilian wax done coz i felt the pain everytime shoot to my head -everytime the strip is pulled off. God the pain is not worth it..but yeah it feels so clean, smooth which hair removal creams and shaving does not give..
Anyone else feels the pain so much? jst me? over sensitive?
I have had the same feeling but for a different reason.... but it may be because the nerves stem from your brain down to your whole body, so since the nerves are all connected, the pain you feel may radiate up to your head as well as the place where you have gotten waxed
![]() |
NEW Dread Head HQ Professional Dreadlock Wax 35oz Jar | ![]() |
![]() |
US $17.99 | 8h 46m |
![]() |
Unsane Vandal X Misspress With Beat Happening Red Head Walking On Green Wax | ![]() |
![]() |
US $2,999.99 | 9h 11m |
![]() |
Tigi Bed Head Hair Stick Wax Texture Hold Matte x 6 | ![]() |
![]() |
US $82.99 | 10h 55m |
![]() |
Tigi Bed Head Hair Stick Wax Texture Hold Matte x 12 | ![]() |
![]() |
US $163.99 | 10h 58m |
![]() |
Tigi Bed Head Hair Stick Semi matte finish Soft Pliable Wax Soft and Pliable | ![]() |
![]() |
US $14.10 | 11h 27m |
![]() |
Tigi Bed Head Hair Stick Wax Texture Hold Matte x 6 | ![]() |
![]() |
US $83.88 | 11h 31m |
![]() |
Antique Asian solid BRASS HORSE HEAD WAX STAMP SEAL Unique heavy old | ![]() |
![]() |
US $49.95 | 22h |
![]() |
Tigi Bed Head Hair Stick Wax Texture Hold Matte Finish | ![]() |
![]() |
US $13.93 | 1d 39m |
![]() |
MAF Lost Wax Cast Bronze Two Heads Unique Decorative Sculpture Original | ![]() |
![]() |
US $750.00 | 1d 2h 37m |
![]() |
Santa Head With Wax Candles by TII Transpac | ![]() |
![]() |
US $3.50 | 1d 2h 51m |
![]() |
Large Latex rubber mold Boys Head plaster cement soap wax Halloween prop box2 | ![]() |
![]() |
US $27.89 | 1d 6h 14m |
![]() |
PIG HEAD CURB SKATEBOARD WAX COMPLETE UR TRICKS DECK | ![]() |
![]() |
US $9.76 | 1d 7h 26m |
![]() |
CONQUISTADOR WAX HEAD BUST FIGURE S ALBERTA PUEBLO ZUNI AGE UNKNOWN | ![]() |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 1d 11h 16m |
![]() |
NEW Dread Head HQ Professional Dreadlock Wax 35oz Jar | ![]() |
![]() |
US $17.99 | 1d 12h 3m |
![]() |
4 Bed Head HEADBANGER Way Out Wax 45 oz each | ![]() |
![]() |
US $26.99 | 1d 15h 35m |
![]() |
CLEAN EASY LEG LARGE ROLLER HEADS FOR WAX ROLLER BODY HAIR REMOVAL 3 PACK | ![]() |
![]() |
US $2.60 | 1d 15h 47m |
![]() |
Antique WAX Glass Eyes Shoulder Head Doll Cloth Body Composition Boots Wax Arms | ![]() |
2 Bids | US $109.49 | 1d 23h 26m |
![]() |
Vintage Antique 1800s Wax Head 14 Inch Doll with Original Velvet and Lace Dress | ![]() |
![]() |
US $199.95 | 2d 43m |
![]() |
ANTIQUE WAX OVER COMP DOLLS HEAD FOR PARTS | ![]() |
4 Bids | US $5.16 | 2d 1h 23m |
![]() |
TIGI Bed Head Men Separation Wax 265OZ TEXTURE | ![]() |
![]() |
US $17.04 | 2d 4h 9m |
|
|
|
head wax in The Base