Yes, definitely more Moore when it comes to the artist’s 20th century sculptures.  While Henry Moore produced drawings, prints, carvings, and textiles he is perhaps best known for his large-scale semi-abstract sculptures that dot landscapes world-wide.  According to the Henry Moore Foundation’s website “Henry Moore pioneered a new vision for modern sculpture, becoming a global star within his own lifetime.”  Residents of Washington, D.C. are lucky that noteworthy examples of Moore’s sculptures exist in their city.  Several are located on the National Mall and all it takes is a nice day to see them with a visit to the Hirshhorn Museum’s grounds and the National Gallery of Art.  

Henry Moore was born 1898, grew up in a small town in northern England, and from an early age, knew he wanted to be a sculptor.  Despite his artistic interest and talent, Moore’s father steered him into teaching before he joined the army during World War I.  He later enrolled in art school, and by the 1920s, began solidifying his reputation as a sculptor.  While at the Royal College of Art, Moore began visiting London museums and was drawn to ancient figurines.  He also studied art created by his peers all the while experimenting with ideas in an effort to develop his own style.  Ultimately natural forms and the human body served as inspiration for many of Moore’s large-scale sculptures and were used to create his signature style. Moore believed that artists had a civic responsibility and by mid-century he successfully completed many public works.  His reputation grew and by 1960 he was very well-known.  Moore’s fame continued through his lifetime with numerous commissions and exhibitions.  His death in 1986 did not diminish his popularity; his sculptures and artwork continue to garner high praise and appreciation around the world.

Up until recently, the Hirshhorn Museum’s sculpture garden displayed several of Moore’s sculptures alongside other artists’ work.  Since it is currently being reimaged and closed for renovation, his sculptures have been relocated to the grassy spaces on the perimeter of the museum.  Wander the circular area and you will have the pleasure of interacting with four of them.  All the sculptures are bronze—a favorite Moore material—and have a presence on the landscape.  Their patina helps them blend in with their surroundings as well as complement them.   Upright Motive No. 1: Glenkiln Cross stands tall and vertical while Two-Piece Reclining Figure: Points, King and Queen, and Three-Way Piece No. 3: Vertebrae (Working Model) are horizontal.  Continue along the National Mall to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building designed by architect I.M. Pei.  Henry Moore’s Knife Edge Mirror Two Piece dominates the left side of the entrance with its form and stature.  This shiny bronze behemoth was installed in 1978 to coincide with the East Building’s completion.  Despite its larger-than-life size and mass, it is accessible and a popular spot for tourists.   Just inside the museum, visitors will encounter Stone Memorial, another Henry Moore sculpture.  This sculpture is smaller, made of Roman travertine, and has a white matte color.  The porous stone adds texture to the piece revealed by the grooves and pock marks throughout it.  Enjoy Henry Moore’s sculptures in Washington but also in other places throughout the U.S. and around the globe; more Moore for sure.