No scholar's model in basalt has yet been found;[39] but the Egyptians, like our monumental masons, always kept a stock of half-finished statues in hard stone, which could be turned out complete in a few hours.

The hands, feet, and bust needed only a few last touches; but the heads were merely blocked out, and the clothing left in the rough.

Half a day's work then sufficed to transform the face into a portrait of the purchaser, and to give the last new fashion to the kilt.

The discovery of some two or three statues of this kind has shown us as much of the process as a series of teacher's models might have done.
Volcanic rocks could not be cut with the continuity and regularity of limestone.

The point only could make any impression upon these obdurate materials.