Self Portrait by Henry Moore (1898 - 1986)
A beautiful and tender self-portrait of the artists hands gracing a pebble.
Executed in 1981 towards the later part of the artists life, Moore would still find daily inspiration in the natural world. Small objects like pebbles and stones played an important role in his artistic imagination throughout his life. These humble objects became a way of thinking about both endurance and growth, linking the small scale of the pebble with the monumentality of sculpture. Moore often said that even the tiniest pebble, shaped smooth by water and time, could feel as powerful as a monument, suggesting the timelessness and permanence he sought in sculpture. He loved to collect stones and flints calling them “found models” and using their curves, hollows, and surfaces as lessons in balance and form.
Watercolour, gouache, pen, coloured wax and pencil on paper.
C1981, England.
Provenance
Christies, New York. September 20th, 2011. Lot 11.
Umi Gallery, Tokyo.
HK Fine Paintings, Brussels.
Private Collection, Paris. Thence by descent the previous owner.
The Henry Moore Foundation has recorded this work in their database as number 81315.
Please note that ARR Artist’s Resale Right applies to this work.
London collection or worldwide shipping available on all items. Please email beforehand for a quote, or select pick up at checkout.
Self Portrait by Henry Moore (1898 - 1986)
A beautiful and tender self-portrait of the artists hands gracing a pebble.
Executed in 1981 towards the later part of the artists life, Moore would still find daily inspiration in the natural world. Small objects like pebbles and stones played an important role in his artistic imagination throughout his life. These humble objects became a way of thinking about both endurance and growth, linking the small scale of the pebble with the monumentality of sculpture. Moore often said that even the tiniest pebble, shaped smooth by water and time, could feel as powerful as a monument, suggesting the timelessness and permanence he sought in sculpture. He loved to collect stones and flints calling them “found models” and using their curves, hollows, and surfaces as lessons in balance and form.
Watercolour, gouache, pen, coloured wax and pencil on paper.
C1981, England.
Provenance
Christies, New York. September 20th, 2011. Lot 11.
Umi Gallery, Tokyo.
HK Fine Paintings, Brussels.
Private Collection, Paris. Thence by descent the previous owner.
The Henry Moore Foundation has recorded this work in their database as number 81315.
Please note that ARR Artist’s Resale Right applies to this work.
London collection or worldwide shipping available on all items. Please email beforehand for a quote, or select pick up at checkout.
