Henry Moore

British

(1898-1986)

 

 

Henry Moore O.M.

Is often considered to be one of the greatest Sculptor's of the 20th Century.  He has a huge international reputation which began in the 1940's with a one man show in New York, he then went on to represent his country at the Biennial in Venice.   His sculptures show an intimate contact with the European Surrealism with such artists as Brancusi, Picasso and Jean Arp, there is also an influence of primitive art in Moore's work which when one sees photographs of his studio can observe African Sculptures dotted around.

During the Second World War, as with many of our leading artists, Henry Moore was commissioned to document the suffering of the British people at the hands of the German Bombing raids.  None more so poignant were the 'Shelter Sketchbooks', Moore's series of drawings showing the people of London taking refuge in the London Underground, these drawings carry references to past masters notably Michelangelo and Millet.

Although Henry Moore is held in the highest regard for his Sculptures, as he rightly should be, his Graphic works are somewhat overlooked.  His Catalogue Raisonne which documents his work in the medium of print making is in four volumes, it is an amazing body of work and the brilliance of Moore as an illustrator is apparent for all to see.  

 

Back to Henry Moore Art work