Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Monochrome Monday on Wednesday





GOSLAR WARRIOR 1973-74
Bronze

The Henry Moore Foundation: gift of the artist, 1977

Cast:
Hermann Noack, Berlin
Length
:300cm
Signature:Stamped Moore, 0/7

On exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden 2008

Moore rarely studied the male form, and there are only six life-size male figures amongst his body of work, three of which are warriors. These are not combatants in the traditional sense; none have weapons. This warrior, with his twisted, thin, fallen body, has only one limb, rendering him powerless. His visage has the angular suggestion of a helmet, yet ears are clearly visible, underlining his vulnerability and humanity.

Moore had lived through two world wars. As a nineteen year old during the First World War he was sent to the trenches in northern France and suffered the effects of a mustard gas attack, requiring him to be sent home to convalesce. During the Second World War relentless bombing drove many Londoners to take shelter in the network of tunnels deep underneath the city streets. Moore spent hours observing and making discreet notes of the huddled blanketed people in the London Underground. As a result of the sketches he made Moore was appointed as an official war artist, and later commissioned to produce seventeen large-scale drawings to be displayed in public galleries and museums throughout the UK.

Suzanne Eustace, Assistant Curator, The Henry Moore Foundation
link for details for Goslar Warrior

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theteach

11 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

It looks so much like a Henry Moore...and so it is! Very nice sculpture and photo of it, MaryT.

Anonymous said...

I just chuckled... If you look at it real quickly it looks like a hip joint..that was what crossed my feeble mind in a flash...

Anonymous said...

I know. I'm silly!

Dianne said...

that's a stunning photo of beautiful work

Anonymous said...

Clearly I'm the only one who can't see the images! Oopsie.
Cheers

Durward Discussion said...

I love both Moore and Calder sculptures and that is a great photograph. It is interesting that Tokein used images from WW I for characters and events in Mordor in the Lord of the Rings. Those who have actually seen war rarely want to repeat it.

magiceye said...

this is superb!!

Hootin Anni said...

I posted your bookmark gift you sent to me today!

Thanks again sweet Mary. I'm using them in my books. Love 'em.

SandyCarlson said...

Powerlessness comes through this figure clearly. I just want to help this guy get up, Mary!

Putz said...

maybe we should have elected santa for president o the united state,,,he has replaced obama on your side bar i see

Anonymous said...

Didn't realise until today that you had posted.
I have never been a great fan of Moore's sculpture but his drawings are fascinating.