The artwork titled “Reclining Figure” is a sculpture created by Henry Moore in 1939. The medium of this piece is elmwood, and it reflects the Surrealism art movement. With dimensions measuring 19 x 35 x 15 inches (48.3 x 89 x 38 cm), the sculpture resides in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. This particular work exemplifies Moore’s style and thematic interest in organic, abstract forms that often reference the human body.
The artwork presents a semi-abstract form that simultaneously evokes the shape of a reclining human figure while also inviting various interpretations through its smooth, flowing lines and hollow spaces. Despite its abstraction, the form hints at anatomical elements such as a head, torso, and limbs, yet it remains open to the viewer’s imagination. The elmwood’s natural grain and color variations contribute to the organic feel of the work, which Moore has polished to a reflective sheen. The sculpture lies on a base that further emphasizes its horizontality, reinforcing the sense of rest and repose suggested by the term “reclining.” The interplay of solid material and the voids Moore has carved into the wood creates a dynamic sense of rhythm and movement that engages viewers from multiple angles.
