The traditional process of transferring measured three-dimensional reference points from a model to a block of stone so the copy can be carved accurately.
Messa ai punti is the traditional process of transferring spatial measurements from a model to a block of marble. The carver establishes principal reference points, then progressively locates additional points that define the intended surface.
The process may use compasses, a pointing machine, proportional comparators, frames, or other systems depending on scale and workshop practice.
Etymology
Italian: mettere, “to put or place,” + punti, “points.”
Sculptor Notes
Pointing does not make the sculpture; it establishes where the surface must eventually be. The sculptor still has to remove the surrounding stone intelligently and preserve the life of the form between the measured points.
References
https://levocidelmarmo.sns.it/lista_video.php