Reclining FigureHenry MooreNone
Wood- Sculpture
- Modernism
Modern
Detroit Institute of Arts
Form and Materiality
This elmwood carving presents an abstracted human form through sinuous lines and organic voids. The sculpture utilizes the wide grain of the wood to emphasize its undulating limbs and torso. Holes are integrated into the composition, allowing light and space to penetrate the solid mass. These openings create a relationship between the internal volume and the surrounding environment.Compositional Elements
The figure features a looped head and shoulders, with a body that flows into sinuous limbs. The structure relies on a balance of rounded shapes and hollowed spaces. In this specific work, the physical presence of the wood provides a sense of weight, while the pierced sections suggest a lightness. The carving process transforms the dense elmwood into a series of interconnected curves and recesses.Henry Moore (1898 – 1986)
Explore the iconic sculptures of Henry Moore (1898-1986). Renowned for abstract forms—reclining figures & mother-and-child themes—Moore revolutionized modern British sculpture. Discover his legacy worldwide.
Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, United States of America)
Discover Detroit's iconic art scene at the DIA! Explore world-class collections, including Rivera murals & American masterpieces, reflecting the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
About this artwork
- Title: Reclining Figure
- Artist: Henry Moore
- Format: Panoramic
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Where to see it: Detroit Institute of Arts
- Movement: Modernism
- Period: Modern
- Creative period: Mature Period
- Color palette: Earthy
- Keywords: 20th century sculpture, henry moore sculpture, sculpture for living room
Quick Facts
- Location: Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
- Medium: Wood
- Title: Reclining Figure
Questions & Answers
What emotion does "Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore convey?
"Reclining Figure" is associated with a reflective feeling. The emotional tone describes the impression the work gives.
What is the luminance of "Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore?
"Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore has a soft shadow luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.
Is "Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore in the public domain, and why?
The copyright status of "Reclining Figure" - still protected by copyright - follows from the artist's death in 1986.