Reclining FigureHenry MooreNone

  • Painting mediumWood
  • Medium typeSculpture
  • Art movementModernism
  • Art periodModern
  • MuseumDetroit 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
  • Color palette: Earthy
  • Main color: Walnut
  • Purpose: Accent
  • Keywords: sculptural home accent, reclining figure decor, organic form artwork

Quick Facts

  • Title: Reclining Figure
  • Artistic style: Abstract
  • Medium: Wood

Questions & Answers

What is "Reclining Figure" about?

The themes present in "Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore include human figure, wood carving, abstract form, brown texture, holes, sculpture. Together they summarize the artwork's subject matter.

Is "Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore in the public domain, and why?

"Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore is still protected by copyright. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Henry Moore died in 1986.

How much light do the colors of "Reclining Figure" appear to reflect?

The luminance recorded for "Reclining Figure" by Henry Moore is soft shadow.

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