This work investigates the formal evolution of sculpture from the late nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century by analyzing the shift from traditional modeling to modern construction. William Tucker, a sculptor and educator, utilizes his technical expertise to examine how specific artists redefined the relationship between mass, space, and the human figure. He argues that the transition toward abstraction was not merely a stylistic choice but a fundamental change in the physical logic of sculptural practice.

Art historians and practitioners frequently cite this text as a foundational analysis of the formal mechanics of modern sculpture. The prose is noted for its technical precision, making it a standard reference for students of art history and studio practice.