Reclining Figure (UNESCO)

Reclining Figure (UNESCO). The Reclining Figure is a monumental bronze sculpture by the renowned British artist Henry Moore, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Located within the grounds of the Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green, Hertfordshire, the work is celebrated as a masterpiece of 20th-century Modernist sculpture. Its inscription recognizes its outstanding universal value as a seminal representation of the human form, reflecting profound artistic innovation and its deep connection to the English landscape.

Description and location

The sculpture is a large-scale abstract bronze figure, typically measuring over five meters in length, situated within the pastoral landscape of the artist's former estate at Perry Green. The work is characterized by its flowing, organic forms and the creation of hollow spaces within the solid mass, a hallmark of Henry Moore's style. Its permanent home is the Henry Moore Foundation, an institution dedicated to preserving the artist's legacy, located in the Hertfordshire countryside. The setting, amidst fields and trees, was carefully chosen by Moore to create a dialogue between the sculpture and the natural environment, enhancing its contemplative power. The site is managed by the Henry Moore Foundation in cooperation with Historic England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

History and creation

Henry Moore began exploring the reclining figure motif in the 1920s, with this specific monumental version conceived and cast in the late 1970s. The work was created at his studios at Perry Green, utilizing the lost-wax casting process at a foundry such as the Morris Singer Foundry. Its creation was influenced by Moore's study of diverse artistic traditions, including Pre-Columbian art, the sculptures of Michelangelo, and the works of Constantin Brâncuși. The period of its creation followed major commissions like the Lincoln Center sculpture in New York City and the UNESCO building in Paris. The acquisition and siting of the sculpture were integral to the establishment of the Henry Moore Foundation during the artist's lifetime.

Artistic significance and style

The Reclining Figure is a quintessential example of Henry Moore's mature style, synthesizing abstraction with a profound sense of the human body and landscape. It exemplifies key principles of Modernist sculpture, moving away from literal representation to evoke universal forms and primal energies. The sculpture's influence is vast, positioning Moore alongside other titans of modern art like Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, and Barbara Hepworth. Its form draws parallels with natural features like hills and valleys, reflecting the artist's belief in a "truth to materials" and his deep engagement with the English landscape tradition. The work has been critically analyzed in relation to movements such as Surrealism and Biomorphism.

UNESCO World Heritage designation

The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023 during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, citing criteria (i), (ii), and (vi). It was recognized as a masterpiece of human creative genius, demonstrating significant interchange of artistic values across the 20th century, and being directly associated with the influential artistic philosophy of Henry Moore. The nomination was prepared by the United Kingdom government, supported by organizations including the Henry Moore Foundation, Historic England, and International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). It joins other UK cultural sites like Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, and the Forth Bridge on the prestigious list.

Conservation and management

The long-term preservation of the sculpture and its setting is the responsibility of the Henry Moore Foundation, under the legal framework of the World Heritage Convention. Conservation activities include regular monitoring for structural integrity, corrosion control specific to bronze, and maintaining the integrity of the landscape setting. The management plan is developed in consultation with Historic England, Natural England, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Challenges include managing visitor access to the rural site, mitigating environmental factors like acid rain, and ensuring the preservation of the artist's intended relationship between the artwork and its natural context for future generations.

Category:World Heritage Sites in the United Kingdom Category:Henry Moore Category:Sculptures in England