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56
Artificial Sky Light, or Guido light
 Very few rooms afford a good light for the Painter. The window should be high & long, emitting the chief light from the upper part, at an angle of 45 degrees; the shadows being then modified by more or less light from the lower portion of the window if desired. From examination of the Paintings by Guido, I was satisfied that he used a double light - a high principal light, and a lesser low light, diminishing the force of his shadows, and producing a broad penumbral effect. This suggested to me a Contrivance to procure the same advantage in an ordinary Room by means of Metal Reflector, which I have used with decided benefit. It is 34 inches long, and 22 inches wide, curved lengthwise the upper end a segment of a circle of ... & the lower a segment of..., it is suspended [[strikethrough]]midway[[\strikethrough]], 7 feet 3 inch from the floor, from a projecting arm of an upright post, which rests on a base, moveable on casters, to admist of easy adjustment to the situation, (copper silvered perhaps would be better) - and curved lengthwise, the sides being straight, so as to concentrate the light upon the head of the sitter. A weight lower end and a string at the upper end enables the artist to give it the required angle. The upper portion of the reflector must be less curved than the lower. The light from the reflection is necessarily warmer, and brighter because it is additional to the light from the sky; and where its influence does not reach, the light form the sky appears cooler, producing these pearly hues which distinguish the heads by Guido. The upper portion of the reflector a segment of a circle of 63 inches - The lower end a segment of 55 inches diameter.

[[very light sketch of above described reflector with these callouts]]

Reflector suspended from the back by a string to the proper angle
Smaller curve at bottom
Drawing
nails to fasten the cord which is attaches to the corner 'a'

handle to turn the machine to adjust it to the sitter or pr picture

Triangular base with casters