Two-Piece Reclining Figure No.2 – Henry Moore, 1960, Bronze, 128 x 256 x 104cm, Scottish Gallery for Modern Art, Edinburgh

Feb 2015

The right arm and chest here has a flat surface and looks like it’s been cut though. A hollow is revealed in this cross section (is this the heart?). The surface is rougher than the uncut “skin”. This is less like a figure and more like a cliff

The head is just an indication – a narrow protrusion coming from the broad shoulders. The neck descends to the chest in a sensual curve indicating this is a female.

The sun shines through these holes and arches, giving glimpses of internal the caves and areas of deep shadow

The surface of the sculpture is at times very rough and textured but some areas are smoother (the neck and head). It is more like stone than bronze. It is clearly intentional that the artist wanted it to look like stone.

It is possible to see tool marks were the artist has roughened the surface. The chest has deep vertical striations, other areas are more haphazard and yet others are horizontal.

The figure is in two parts which makes it seem as if it is emerging out of the pedestal (or melting onto it). We can’t see the feet abdomen and pelvis which are submerged.

As you walk around it, the light shines through the holes and casts shadows. The area under the knees is like a cave with light shining in. The sculpture is reminiscent of the great arches and geological forms that are sometimes seen along the coast. The rough texture enhances this.

The pedestal is smooth and geometric, in great contrast to the roughened and amorphous form it holds. The surface is perfectly smooth like still water.

The sculpture has holes which go right through it. This invites the viewer to walk around it and look from different views.

The figure is very simplified. We know it’s a figure from the narrow head and neck which comes from the shoulders and chest. The knees and lower legs of the reclining figure are also evident.

Different angles appear more like a figure than others. Walking round it makes the figure appear and disappear and leaves geological formations instead.

The sculpture is located in the gardens but is quite hidden behind trees and hedges. It isn’t a large open space but is actually quite enclosed. It’s stone like nature contrasts with the natural vegetation surrounding it.

The surface of the legs show regular lines. The front is linear but the side is more random. This gives the impression of a linear geology which has been cross-sectioned.

Some of the holes look like the eroded natural arches protruding from the sea. This impression becomes more pronounced as the viewer walks round the sculpture. At times the figure isn’t very recognisable.