Table Piece CCLXVI 1975

Anthony Caro crafted 'Table Piece CCLXVI' from steel, pioneering a move away from traditional sculptural forms. Caro, working in Britain, was a pivotal figure in redefining sculpture's role in the post-war era. The 'Table Piece' series exemplifies his break from the established norms of figurative and monumental sculpture. Instead, Caro presents us with an arrangement of abstract elements. These are placed horizontally, inviting viewers to engage with sculpture on a more intimate, human scale, one that is domestic rather than heroic. Caro's work reflects a broader cultural shift towards abstraction, mirroring a desire to move away from representational art, which had often been co-opted for ideological purposes. It critiques the institutional expectations of sculpture, and the way that sculpture was displayed. Understanding Caro's art requires looking at the socio-political and artistic dialogues of his time. Studies of exhibition histories, critical reviews, and the artist's own statements help to illuminate how his work challenged and redefined the boundaries of sculpture.