Henry Moore OM, CH

Lithograph printed in colours, 1974, signed in pencil, numbered V/X (an artist's proof aside from the edition of 50), on wove paper, printed by J E Wolfensberger, Zurich, published by The Henry Moore Foundation, Much Hadham 

Acquired directly from the Artist by the present owner

With full margins (a deckle edge at the upper sheet edges), in good condition apart from a slight tear to the deckle, some handling creases and light soiling to the margins, framed.
"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."

Regarded internationally as one of the greatest modernist sculptors, Henry Moore is a monumental figure in the history of British art.  A survey of his oeuvre shows that in addition to his celebrated reputation as a sculptor, Moore was also a highly accomplished printmaker and draughtsman.

Henry Moore began experimenting with printmaking in the 1920s but it wasn’t until the 1970s that printmaking became a significant aspect of Moore’s artistic output. As a printmaker, Henry Moore experimented with various printmaking methods before settling on lithography and etching as his favoured media, which he used almost exclusively during this prolific printmaking period of his later career. The collection of works offered for auction here represents a comprehensive survey of Moore’s ability as a master printmaker.

Included in this collection is lot 302 the Mother and Child portfolio. The theme of Mother and Child was a dominant subject throughout Moore’s career and was expressed in a variety of methods and media. With Moore’s varied treatment of the motif in this portfolio ranging from naturalistic to abstract, this portfolio can be read as a kind of retrospective of Moore’s relationship with the theme of Mother and Child. Comprising a total of 30 etchings and ranging three years, this portfolio was one of Moore’s most ambitious undertakings as a printmaker.  Although it was originally commissioned as a small suite of etchings, Moore continued producing works and it wasn’t until his poor health intervened that the project came to a halt. Completed in 1986, and signed by Moore in the last month of his life, this was the final work published before the artist’s death.