Modern Sculpture Masterpieces: Moore’s Reclining Figure and Calder’s Mobiles
Henry Moore: Reclining Figure
Artwork Details:
- Date: 1938
- Style: Abstract Art
- Technique & Material: Carved Stone
- Form: Freestanding Sculpture
- Type: Reclining Figure
- Color: Monochrome
- Dimensions: 1.32 m
- Location: Tate Gallery, London
Historical Context
Henry Moore (1898-1986) was the most important British sculptor of the 20th century. He became deeply interested in primitive and pre-Columbian art, dedicating his artistic activity to themes of human life and motherhood. His reclining women are monumental and expressive, refined despite the absence of recognizable facial features. Moore also experimented with voids in sculpture, and his works are notable for their polished and smooth finish.
Formal Composition Analysis
The sculpture depicts a woman reclining on a horizontal surface, featuring a significant void beneath her breasts. The woman is symbolically and schematically illustrated. The composition is dominated by curved lines that convey calmness and relaxation. Henry Moore was a pioneer in defining forms through voids; the sculptor manipulates the woman’s abdomen to create, for the observer, a singular image of the breast.
Style
As a sculptor, Henry Moore found himself immersed in a tradition that was tied to a more or less strict realism or naturalism. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, sculptors sought alternative ways of expressing their own subjectivity that did not necessarily involve the reproduction of reality. Moore researched a more honest and authentic expression, returning sculpture to its original magical and religious function. He was fascinated by primitive art and its capacity for integrating humans into cosmic forces.
Interpretation: Content and Meaning
Moore uses one of his favorite motifs: the representation of the concept of mother as a refuge from the miseries of this world and a place to find peace. The round shapes evoke life-giving vital forces. The significant void below the breast becomes a warm cavity. The Reclining Figure has also been read as a call to the unknown and hidden forces that determine the essence of humanity.
Function
Its function is to decorate a specific space.
Alexander Calder: Stabile-Mobile
Artwork Details:
- Date: 1965
- Style: Kinetic Art
- Material: Metal plates and wire
- Form: Freestanding Sculpture
- Type: Standing
- Color: Polychrome
- Dimensions: 1.40 m
- Location: Private Collection
Historical Context
This artwork belongs to Kinetic Art, a movement that focuses on the exploration of movement, both real and suggested through optical effects. Kinetic Art connects with Constructivism and Futurism from the early decades of the 20th century, applying scientific principles to achieve the effect of continuous movement based on juxtaposed color blocks, spirals, or rhythmic sequences of colors.
Formal Composition Analysis
The Stabile-mobiles are constructed from sheets of iron and wires that form the support for metal plates. Calder’s training as an industrial engineer helped him solve technical problems derived from such an innovative sculptural design.
Style
Calder revolutionized the conception of sculpture, which until that moment had always been considered static and unchangeable. He initiated the kinetic sculpture movement, introducing real movement into sculptural forms.
Interpretation: Content and Significance
The constant movement of the plates gives the Stabile-mobile an organic, temporary character, akin to nature. It is an allegory of celestial mechanics, such as the Earth’s translation accompanied by the Moon around the Sun.
Function
Its function is to decorate public spaces.