Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)Barbara Hepworth · 1955

  • Painting mediumAcrylic
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementSurrealism
  • Creation date1955
  • Dimensions38.0 x 58.0 cm
  • MuseumThe Hepworth Wakefield
The title of this work refers to Hepworth’s travels in Greece in August, 1954. Her son Paul had been killed in an air crash the previous year, and her friend Margaret Gardiner arranged the Greek trip to help her recover from the overwhelming grief. The travels revived Hepworth, and she later wrote that the ‘forms in Greece have been a constant source of inspiration.’ The title of this work refers to the island known today as Santorini, a volcanic site with a surging landscape of craters. Hepworth wrote: ‘[t]he indescribable beauty of Santorin and the height, breadth and depth and colour of Phira on the peak of the crater’s lip is not possible to take in from any photograph.’ The shapes in Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin) draw upon the curves of these craters and capture some of the vivid colours Hepworth saw in the volcanic rocks and flowers, several of which she pressed within the pages of her sketchbook.Pencil and crayon on paper. Presented to the Wakefield Art gallery by Mrs Hazel McKinley, 1956. Wakefield Permanent Art Collection (The Hepworth Wakefield) Barbara Hepworth © Bowness.

Barbara Hepworth (1903 – 1975)

Explore the modernist sculptures of Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975). A pioneer of abstract art, Hepworth's work – including 'Oval Form' & 'Two Forms' – blends surrealism and abstraction. Discover her legacy at the Hepworth Wakefield.

The Hepworth Wakefield (Wakefield, United Kingdom)

The Hepworth Wakefield

About this artwork

  • Title: Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)
  • Artist: Barbara Hepworth
  • Year: 1955
  • Original dimensions: 38.0 x 58.0 cm
  • Format: Landscape
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Where to see it: The Hepworth Wakefield
  • Medium: Acrylic
  • Medium type: WallArt
  • Creative period: Mature Period

Quick Facts

  • Year: 1955
  • Notable elements or techniques: Geometric shapes, volcanic rock colors
  • Title: Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)
  • Location: Wakefield Permanent Art Collection (The Hepworth Wakefield)
  • Subject or theme: Greek landscape inspiration
  • Medium: Pencil & crayon on paper
  • Artist: Barbara Hepworth

Questions & Answers

From which country does the Surrealism work "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" come?

"Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" was created by Barbara Hepworth, born in United Kingdom, within the Surrealism movement. The artist's origin links the work to Surrealism as practiced by artists from United Kingdom.

How do the colors of "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" by Barbara Hepworth relate to its emotion?

"Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" by Barbara Hepworth combines a warm palette with a reflective tone.

At what age did Barbara Hepworth make "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)"?

When "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" was created in 1955, Barbara Hepworth - born in 1903 - was 52 years old.

What technique was used for "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)", and when was it created?

"Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" was created in 1955 using the acrylic technique. Material and date describe how and when the original was made.

Who created "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)"?

"Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" is attributed to Barbara Hepworth.

When was "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" made?

The creation of "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" by Barbara Hepworth is dated 1955.

How light is "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" overall?

In terms of perceived brightness, "Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin)" by Barbara Hepworth is brilliant.

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