Where Is Reclining Figure? See It at Tate Britain

Q: Why did Henry Moore make so many Reclining Figures?

Moore considered the reclining female form his primary subject for over 50 years. He explored it in hundreds of variations, from naturalistic to highly abstract, in materials ranging from stone to bronze.

Q: Why do Moore's sculptures have holes?

Moore pioneered the use of pierced forms in sculpture, allowing space to become part of the work. He wanted viewers to see through and around the figure, connecting it with the landscape behind. The holes also create dramatic shadows.

Q: What inspired Moore's Reclining Figures?

Moore was influenced by pre-Columbian Chac Mool sculptures from Mexico, which showed reclining figures with raised heads. He transformed this ancient form using modernist abstraction and his distinctive hollowed shapes.

Henry Moore created numerous Reclining Figure sculptures throughout his career, developing the theme from the 1920s until his death. This bronze version from 1951 shows his mature style: an abstracted human form with hollowed spaces that let light and landscape pass through the figure.

Moore drew inspiration from pre-Columbian Mexican sculpture, particularly the Chac Mool reclining figures. He transformed this ancient form into something distinctly modern, using holes and organic shapes to connect the figure with its environment. The reclining woman became his signature subject, representing both landscape and human presence.

Various versions of Reclining Figure exist in museums and public spaces worldwide. The Tate collection holds several important examples. Moore believed sculpture should be displayed outdoors, where changing light and weather would become part of the viewing experience.

Multiple versions exist in museums and outdoor locations worldwide. The Tate in London holds several. Others are at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and various outdoor sculpture parks.

Moore considered the reclining female form his primary subject for over 50 years. He explored it in hundreds of variations, from naturalistic to highly abstract, in materials ranging from stone to bronze.

Moore pioneered the use of pierced forms in sculpture, allowing space to become part of the work. He wanted viewers to see through and around the figure, connecting it with the landscape behind. The holes also create dramatic shadows.

Moore was influenced by pre-Columbian Chac Mool sculptures from Mexico, which showed reclining figures with raised heads. He transformed this ancient form using modernist abstraction and his distinctive hollowed shapes.

Reclining Figure

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The Artist

More by Henry Moore

Large Two Forms

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About Reclining Figure

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