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Torso by Barbara Hepworth
Torso
Torso by Barbara Hepworth
Torso by Barbara Hepworth

Torso

Artist (Wakefield, England, 1903 - 1975)
Date1932
MediumAfrican blackwood on wooden base
ClassificationsSculptures
Dimensions175 x 33 x 33cm
Base: 67 x 33 x 33cm
Top: 108 x 21 x 23cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1961.
Copyright© Bowness, Hepworth Estate (2003)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG004634
Keywords
About MeIn 1931 Barbara Hepworth met Ben Nicholson who became her second husband. In 1932 she went to France with Nicholson and met Georges Braque, Constantin Brancusi, Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian and other European avant garde artists.

From the early 1930s Hepworth's work was characterised by a purity of shape and refined simplicity of line, where figurative references were replaced by purely abstract forms. 'Torso' dates from the beginning of this period of development and change.

Details of the human form are refined and simplified. An engraved line, incised into the wood, outlines the navel and on the shoulder plane the preliminary chisel marks are retained, contrasting with the polished surfaces elsewhere.



More About Me
This dates from the early 1930s when Hepworth's work was centring down on purity of shape and simplicity of line
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