Monumental Marble Reclining Female Figure Sculpture, Manner of Henry Moore, 1970

Details

Description

Monumental Marble Reclining Female Figure Sculpture, Manner of Henry Moore, c.1970s
European, likely Italy or France,
Provenance Palm Beach Estate

… Read more Monumental Marble Reclining Female Figure Sculpture, Manner of Henry Moore, c.1970s
European, likely Italy or France,
Provenance Palm Beach Estate

A powerful and architectonic example of later 20th-century figural abstraction, this monumental carved marble sculpture presents a reclining female form reduced to its most elemental volumes. Executed in the Brutalist idiom and strongly evocative of the work of Henry Moore, the composition masterfully balances mass, void, and gesture.

The figure is rendered in a series of bold, geometric planes—its torso articulated through rounded, almost primordial forms, while the legs dissolve into angular, block-like structures. Most striking is the circular void where the head would traditionally reside, a deliberate sculptural intervention that transforms absence into presence. This “pierced form” creates a dynamic interplay between positive and negative space, a defining characteristic of post-war modernist sculpture.

The surface retains extensive evidence of the carving process, with visible chisel marks and textured passages that animate the stone and emphasize the artist’s hand. Subtle tonal variations across the marble—ranging from pale chalky whites to warmer, weathered hues—suggest the sculpture has aged gracefully, likely intended for garden or architectural placement. Iron pins visible in areas of the composition indicate either structural reinforcement or the joining of carved elements, consistent with large-scale studio practice.

Both sensual and monumental, the work engages with the long tradition of the reclining nude while decisively breaking from classical naturalism. Instead, it embraces fragmentation, abstraction, and psychological resonance—hallmarks of mid- to late-20th-century European sculptural discourse.

At an impressive 47 inches wide and weighing approximately 300–400 pounds, this piece possesses a commanding presence, equally suited for a curated interior, sculpture garden, or architectural setting.

Dimensions:
Width: 47 in.
Height: 34 in.
Depth: 10 in.
Weight: approx. 300–400 lbs

Condition:
Unrestored, original condition with visible weathering consistent with age and outdoor exposure. Surface wear, tonal variation, and natural patina throughout. Minor chips, fissures, and tool marks inherent to the carving process and material. Structurally sound and highly stable. See less