What is a maquette?

A maquette is a preliminary small model created to represent an idea or design for sculptures, buildings, or other artistic projects. This scaled-down version allows artists and architects to visualize their concepts before the final execution. It serves as a tool for experimentation with proportions, materials, and details, enabling creators to make adjustments and effectively communicate their vision.

In the context of art and design, maquettes are essential for planning the realization of larger works, facilitating understanding between artisans and clients, and providing a tangible reference point that highlights the interaction of forms and spaces. Their utility in the early stages of a project makes them invaluable in both the developmental processes of art and architecture.