A traditional pointing method that uses compasses and a network of reference points to transfer three-dimensional measurements from a model to marble.
Sistema dei compassi is the compass-based method of messa ai punti documented in detail by Le voci del marmo. Principal reference points are established on the model and corresponding points are located on the marble using compasses together with positioning systems such as the cala and centina.
Etymology
Italian: sistema dei compassi, “system of compasses.”
Sculptor Notes
The system is geometric but intensely sculptural. Measurements control location, while the carver must still understand the continuous form that lies between those measured points.
References
https://levocidelmarmo.sns.it/lista_video.php