Dame Barbara Hepworth

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

There a few specks of dirt but otherwise the sculpture is in very good original condition. There are a few tiny chips to the edges of the base. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present work will be recorded in the forthcoming Hepworth catalogue raisonne as BH 188 A.

'Carving became increasingly rhythmical, and I was aware of the special pleasure that sculptors can have through carving, that of a complete unity of physical and mental rhythm. It seemed to be the most natural occupation in the world' (Hepworth quoted in Barbara Hepworth Carvings, exh. cat., Marlborough Fine Art, London, 1982, p.4).

The present sculpture relates to a small group of works dating to 1952-3, the largest being the ancaster stone carving Hieroglyph of 1953 now in the collection of Leeds City Art Gallery. A drawing, dated 1952, which apparently relates to the present work suggests that the artist may have envisaged a large-scale version of this piece being placed within an architectural setting.

We are grateful to Dr Sophie Bowness for her kind assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.