Henry Moore Artwork Catalogue
Reclining Connected Forms
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The closest ancestor of this work is probably Reclining Mother and Child 1960–61, which shares its open oval structure. Their likeness suggests that Moore may have conceived Reclining Connected Forms with the same mother/child relationship in mind.
Yet, Reclining Connected Forms seems to carry hints of a darker dynamic. Look at how the interior figure is placed. Rather than being physically bonded to its counterpart, it appears precariously placed, wedged into position hanging off the outer form. Its shape too seems to carry a portent of threat. Where we might expect arms, the figure’s flanks converge into thorn-like points, as if to encourage a wide berth.Exhibitions
Reclining Connected Forms
Date1969
Artwork TypeSculpture
Catalogue NumberLH 612 cast 7
Mediabronze
Dimensionsartwork (including base): 93 × 224 × 132.5 cm
Signature
stamped Moore, 7/9
OwnershipThe Henry Moore Foundation: gift of the artist 1977
More InformationHenry Moore identified Reclining Connected Forms as one of his explorations of the theme of internal/external forms, depicting, in his words, ‘one form inside another, a form protected by another form’.
The closest ancestor of this work is probably Reclining Mother and Child 1960–61, which shares its open oval structure. Their likeness suggests that Moore may have conceived Reclining Connected Forms with the same mother/child relationship in mind.
Yet, Reclining Connected Forms seems to carry hints of a darker dynamic. Look at how the interior figure is placed. Rather than being physically bonded to its counterpart, it appears precariously placed, wedged into position hanging off the outer form. Its shape too seems to carry a portent of threat. Where we might expect arms, the figure’s flanks converge into thorn-like points, as if to encourage a wide berth.
Exhibitions
Published References
Sculpture Summary/Cast