Modernist British Limestone Face Relief, Circa 1970s — A Cubist Homage to Picasso and the Hepworth–Milne Lineage

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Modernist British Limestone Face Relief, Circa 1970s — A Cubist Homage to Picasso and the Hepworth–Milne Lineage

Catalogue Description
A … Read more Modernist British Limestone Face Relief, Circa 1970s — A Cubist Homage to Picasso and the Hepworth–Milne Lineage

Catalogue Description
A commanding Modernist British stone face relief, hand-carved from Lincolnshire oolitic limestone, exemplifying the enduring influence of Cubism within the Modernist sculptural tradition of the 1970s.
The artist unites profile and frontal viewpoints — a hallmark of Picasso’s Cubism — to create a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow across faceted planes. The visage is distilled to essential geometry: a continuous contour defines brow and nose, while fine incisions imply eyes and mouth. The face seems to emerge organically from the stone block, embracing the post-war Modernist principle of truth to materials and transforming raw limestone into quiet meditation.
Formally and conceptually, the sculpture reflects the planar abstraction associated with the John Milne School — a lineage descending from Barbara Hepworth’s studio, where Milne and his contemporaries explored the dialogue between structure and spirit. Here, that tradition continues, bridging Picasso’s early-century innovation with late-century British material honesty, sustaining Modernism’s ongoing dialogue between geometry and humanity.

Material
Carved Lincolnshire limestone, fine-grained with warm buff-grey tonality and natural fossil inclusions.
A unique hand-carved work, created through direct carving rather than casting or editioning.
The surface bears a natural weathered patina with traces of moss and lichen, characteristic of outdoor placement and age.
Dimensions
Height: 35 cm
Width: 30 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 19 kg
Markings
Faint incised lettering on the underside — “P.H. BOSLL GL” and “Youatt” — likely stonemason or workshop identifiers, consistent with regional British carving practice.

Provenance
Acquired from an architectural antiques dealer in Lincolnshire.
Curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Why You’ll Love It
Distinctive Cubist-style face inspired by Picasso’s Modernist language.
Unique hand-carved work in authentic Lincolnshire limestone with rich natural patina.
Ideal as a statement garden or courtyard sculpture.
Embodies the planar abstraction of the John Milne School within Modern British Modernism.
Supported by clear provenance and professional curation.

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