Reclining Figure is a sculpture crafted by Henry Moore during the years 1935-36. It is one of the earliest and most prominent wooden reclining figures made by this artist who had a strong affinity for this particular theme in his sculptures. Made of Elmwood, which has an extensive grain, this carving stands out because it became the first of Moore’s significant reclining figures carved out of wood.
Henry Moore tends to enhance abstract forms with natural materials, which sets them apart from other forms in art. With Reclining Figure, he used the peculiar sculptural qualities offered by Elmwood to create a human form laid flat on its back, but whose curves were at least as important as its straight lines. In doing so, he turned an inert material into a dynamic figurine while maintaining both mass and weight distribution that makes it unique among other Reclining Figures produced by him.
From expert observation and analysis of his numerous superbly executed works, it can be established beyond doubt that Henry Moore was no ordinary artist; he was exceptional. The Reclining Figure produced in 1935-36 exemplifies his ability to transform loose ideas into sculpture whose striking appearance portrays themes that speak notably through their visual language without words.
