Mother and Child 1953

Henry Moore made this bronze sculpture called "Mother and Child" sometime in the 20th century, and it’s clear he wasn't aiming for realism. Instead, he abstracts the figures, playing with voids and simplified forms, which is all part of his process. Up close, you can see how Moore really worked the bronze, giving it this tactile, almost rough surface. It’s like he wanted you to feel the material, to understand its weight and solidity. Look at the way the mother’s limbs are rendered - they’re not smooth or idealized, but have this almost primitive, powerful quality. Then there’s the child she holds - more of an emblem of a child than a true representation, like a little talisman. Moore's work reminds me of Barbara Hepworth, with whom he had a close relationship. Both artists explore similar themes of the human form, abstraction, and the relationships between figures, creating works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.