attributed to HENRY SPENCER MOORE (English 1898-1986) A SCULPTURE, "Recumbent Figure (Pea Pod Variation)," 1980s, cast bronze maquette, verso signed in bronze, "Moore," with special edition number 5/9, raised on rectangular black granite stone base. Height: 6 1/2" Width: 15 1/2" Depth: 8 1/2" Note: The reclining figure of woman is upheld by a monumental arm and shoulder, her chest formed, but just below is a void space, echoing his early monumental work Recumbent Figure (1938), and alluringly the present work has also a surreal element. Her back leg is architectonic, while her front leg is formed by an almondine, slightly concave front leg calf. The pod-like calf form, though lacking the peas, can be found in Henry Moore's sketch from 1973, which is currently retained in exhibition notes for Henry Moore Ideas for Sculpture: Rare and unseen works from the Henry Moore Family Collection presented by the Hauser & Wirth Collection. The drawing is titled, "Verso: Reclining Figure: Pea Pod." A Lithograph in six colours from 1979 titled Five Reclining Figures also provides the viewer with a pea pod variation(Cat. No. CGM 536). Record No. 103 from Major Henry Moore Retrospective on View at the National Gallery of Art; the exhibition date October 21, 2001-January 27, 2002, lists an unpictured bronze, "Reclining Figure: Pea Pod, 1982," but with smaller dimensions. Nevertheless, the bulging minimal nature of the present bronze, and inevitable reworking of the female Odalisque figure, which is so pervasive in Henry Moore's oeuvre, can be counted as present herein.

Some surface wear, scratches at back, overall in good condition. Some wear and minor chips to the marble base. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."