Girl on a Round Base 1972

Reg Butler's sculpture, "Girl on a Round Base," presents us with a reclining nude, a theme that echoes through art history from ancient Venuses to Renaissance goddesses. Here, the nude form transcends mere physicality, embodying an eternal symbol of beauty and vulnerability. The gesture of the figure, with its languid pose, evokes a sense of introspection and a connection to the subconscious. This mirrors similar poses found in classical sculptures, where the body is used to express complex emotional states. Yet, the sculpture is not simply a repetition of past forms. It is a reinterpretation. The round base upon which the figure rests suggests a stage, or perhaps an altar, elevating the figure while simultaneously isolating her. This echoes the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts. Like a dream, the image resonates with collective memories, engaging us on a profound, subconscious level.