Henry Moore (1898-1986). Family Group, 1944. Bronze with dark brown patina. 5-3/4 x 4-3/8 x 2-7/8 inches (14.5 x 11 x 7....

Description

Henry Moore (1898-1986)
Family Group, 1944
Bronze with dark brown patina
5-3/4 x 4-3/8 x 2-7/8 inches (14.5 x 11 x 7.2 cm)

Property from the Estate of Anne R. Bromberg, Dallas, Texas

PROVENANCE:
Gimpel Fils, London;
Alfred L. Bromberg, Dallas, Texas, acquired from the above, 1956;
By descent to the present owner.

EXHIBITED:
The Dallas Museum for Contemporary Arts, Dallas, "Sculpture: From Rodin to Lipchitz," May 8-July 3, 1958;
Tate Gallery, London, "Henry Moore," July17-September 22, 1968, another cast illustrated;
Gimpel Gallery, New York, "Opening Exhibition," March 1969;
The Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Dallas, 1976;
Hofstra Museum, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, and elsewhere, "Mother and Child: The Art of Henry Henry Moore," September 10-November 21, 1987, another cast illustrated;
Benais Museum, Petrodvorets, and elsewhere, "Henry Moore: The Human Dimension," June 17-August 15, 1991, another cast illustrated;
Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, and elsewhere, "Henry Moore: Sculpting the 20th Century," February 25-May 27, 2001, another cast illustrated;
Museum Lothar Fischer, Neumarkt, "Henry Moore: Nature and Figure," October 17, 2010-January 9, 2011, another cast illustrated.

LITERATURE:
H. Read, Henry Moore. Sculpture and Drawings, Vol. 1, London, 1949, no. 70h, n. p. terracotta version illustrated;
D. Sylvester, ed., Henry Moore: Complete Sculpture, Vol. 1 (1921-1948), London, 1988 (5th edition), no. 230, p. 144, terracotta version illustrated;
L. Lapham, ed., Lapham's Quarterly, New York, Winter 2012, Vol. 5, first edition, different cast illustrated on the cover.

NOTE:
Conceived in 1944, this work is from a two-part edition--the size and casting date of the first are not recorded, and the second consists of 9 plus 1 artist's proof cast circa 1956 by the Art Bronze Foundry (Gaskin's), London. The present work is registered with the Henry Moore Foundation, Hertfordshire, under LH 230, cast k.

Henry Moore's Family Group, created in 1944, stands as one of his most significant and cherished sculptures, embodying his deep exploration of family, unity, and human resilience in the aftermath of World War II.
The bronze sculpture depicts a seated mother and father with a child, forming a cohesive family unit. Through their closeness and interconnected forms, Moore emphasizes the strength and harmony of family bonds, reflecting his belief in the power of togetherness during uncertain times.

This sculpture is celebrated for its gentle modernism, combining abstraction with recognizable human forms. Moore's careful modeling of the figures, who sit closely with arms wrapped around each other, suggests warmth and security, while the simplified, rounded shapes give the piece a timeless quality. The harmonious arrangement of figures underscores Moore's view that the family represents stability in a fractured world. In portraying the family as a single, united entity, Moore created a symbol of hope, reminding viewers of the enduring human values of compassion and connection.

Family Group holds an essential place in Henry Moore's body of work as it represents his enduring interest in relationships and human connection. The sculpture not only marks a shift in his artistic career but also reflects a broader cultural yearning for peace and unity. It invites viewers to consider the importance of family and community in providing solace and strength, especially in difficult times. In this way, Family Group transcends its era, offering a message that remains relevant and inspiring across generations.


More information about Moore, Henry. See also: Moore, Henry II, Henry Spencer Moore, Moore, Henry Spencer Artist.

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