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Learn MoreMadonna and Child by Henry Moore
- This exceptionally rare bronze is by the preeminent British sculptor of the modern era, Henry Moore
- It is tied to one of the most important commissions of his career, the Madonna and Child
- This theme is one of Moore's most iconic, which he explored throughout his life
- Similar bronzes reside in important museums, including the Tate London and the MFA, Boston
- Get complete item description here
$188,500
Item No.
32-2307
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Description
Henry Moore
1898-1986 | British
Madonna and Child
Signed "Moore" (on reverse)
Bronze
Henry Moore was the preeminent British sculptor of the modern era, whose works blended abstraction, figuration and non-Western influences in a way that revolutionized the medium. One of his most celebrated and enduring motifs was the mother and child, and in 1943, Moore would receive his most significant commission on this subject: the Madonna and Child for St. Matthew's. . .
1898-1986 | British
Madonna and Child
Signed "Moore" (on reverse)
Bronze
Henry Moore was the preeminent British sculptor of the modern era, whose works blended abstraction, figuration and non-Western influences in a way that revolutionized the medium. One of his most celebrated and enduring motifs was the mother and child, and in 1943, Moore would receive his most significant commission on this subject: the Madonna and Child for St. Matthew's. . .
Read More
Henry Moore
1898-1986 | British
Madonna and Child
Signed "Moore" (on reverse)
Bronze
Henry Moore was the preeminent British sculptor of the modern era, whose works blended abstraction, figuration and non-Western influences in a way that revolutionized the medium. One of his most celebrated and enduring motifs was the mother and child, and in 1943, Moore would receive his most significant commission on this subject: the Madonna and Child for St. Matthew's Parish Church. This exceptionally rare bronze is tied to that iconic work, a world-famous cornerstone of British sculpture.
In 1943, the Reverend Walter Hussey invited Moore to create a Madonna and Child sculpture for his church, a proposal the artist accepted with hesitation. Moore felt the immense weight of depicting such a religious subject, wondering if he could distinguish the sacred Madonna and Child from his long‑standing mother and child theme. Of the commission, he said: "This is one of the most difficult and heart-searching sculptures that I ever tried to do.”
He began cautiously, completing many drawings and modeling a series of 12 small maquettes in clay. Only then did Moore fully commit to the commission. This bronze was cast from one of these final clay models, which Moore returned to after completing his version in Hornton stone for St. Matthew’s. In our bronze, the statuesque seated Madonna envelops the child tenderly, embodying quiet strength and emotional protection.
Cast in an edition of 7 with an artist’s proof, this bronze is an extraordinarily rare link to one of Moore’s most pivotal commissions. Other examples of these bronzes reside in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Importantly, this bronze was signed by the artist and is accompanied by a copy of the letter from the Henry Moore Foundation, confirming the work is recorded in their archives as LH223.
Moore was born in Castleford, England in 1898, and after some brief artistic training in his early years, he volunteered for army service in the First World War. After the war, Moore resumed his sculptural practice and gained notoriety as well as prestigious teaching posts at the Royal College and the Chelsea School of Art. At the height of his career, Moore achieved widespread international recognition, with major exhibitions such as his 1946 retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and by winning the International Prize for Sculpture at the 1948 Venice Biennale.
Cast circa 1945
5 1/2" high x 2 1/4" wide x 3" deep
Provenance:
Jeffrey Coria, NYC & FL, acquired in 1968
Gallery Moss, Toronto
Private collection, acquired from the above
Private collection, Florida
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
David Sylvester, ed., Henry Moore Complete Sculpture 1921-48, vol. 1, London, 1988, no. 223, illustration of the terracotta version p. 138
1898-1986 | British
Madonna and Child
Signed "Moore" (on reverse)
Bronze
Henry Moore was the preeminent British sculptor of the modern era, whose works blended abstraction, figuration and non-Western influences in a way that revolutionized the medium. One of his most celebrated and enduring motifs was the mother and child, and in 1943, Moore would receive his most significant commission on this subject: the Madonna and Child for St. Matthew's Parish Church. This exceptionally rare bronze is tied to that iconic work, a world-famous cornerstone of British sculpture.
In 1943, the Reverend Walter Hussey invited Moore to create a Madonna and Child sculpture for his church, a proposal the artist accepted with hesitation. Moore felt the immense weight of depicting such a religious subject, wondering if he could distinguish the sacred Madonna and Child from his long‑standing mother and child theme. Of the commission, he said: "This is one of the most difficult and heart-searching sculptures that I ever tried to do.”
He began cautiously, completing many drawings and modeling a series of 12 small maquettes in clay. Only then did Moore fully commit to the commission. This bronze was cast from one of these final clay models, which Moore returned to after completing his version in Hornton stone for St. Matthew’s. In our bronze, the statuesque seated Madonna envelops the child tenderly, embodying quiet strength and emotional protection.
Cast in an edition of 7 with an artist’s proof, this bronze is an extraordinarily rare link to one of Moore’s most pivotal commissions. Other examples of these bronzes reside in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Importantly, this bronze was signed by the artist and is accompanied by a copy of the letter from the Henry Moore Foundation, confirming the work is recorded in their archives as LH223.
Moore was born in Castleford, England in 1898, and after some brief artistic training in his early years, he volunteered for army service in the First World War. After the war, Moore resumed his sculptural practice and gained notoriety as well as prestigious teaching posts at the Royal College and the Chelsea School of Art. At the height of his career, Moore achieved widespread international recognition, with major exhibitions such as his 1946 retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and by winning the International Prize for Sculpture at the 1948 Venice Biennale.
Cast circa 1945
5 1/2" high x 2 1/4" wide x 3" deep
Provenance:
Jeffrey Coria, NYC & FL, acquired in 1968
Gallery Moss, Toronto
Private collection, acquired from the above
Private collection, Florida
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
David Sylvester, ed., Henry Moore Complete Sculpture 1921-48, vol. 1, London, 1988, no. 223, illustration of the terracotta version p. 138
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 1919-Present |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Sculpture |
| Style: | Modernism |
| Depth: | 3.0 in. (7.62 cm) |
| Width: | 2.2 in. (5.59 cm) |
| Height: | 5.5 in. (13.97 cm) |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
