1898-1986

Influenced by natural organic shapes, the female form and the African sculpture he saw as a student at Leeds School of Art, Henry Moore became the preeminent abstract sculptor of his time.  His undulating bronze nudes, small-scaled or monumental, were frequently pierced, creating pathos.  Moore sought the inner essence or “vitality” of his subject.  Curator Stephen Nash said, “He was both modern yet humanistic and could be appreciated by the man on the street.”  Several public commissions ensued, including Reclining Figure, for UNESCO in Paris.  Over seventy museums and public art galleries worldwide have Moore holdings.  He received the British Order of Merit, but turned down a knighthood in 1951.  He created the Henry Moore Foundation as his legacy.