Accession Number
1954/2.58

Title
Study of Family Groups

Artist(s)
Henry Moore

Artist Nationality
British (modern)

Object Creation Date
1944

Medium & Support
graphite, white wax crayon, watercolor, colored crayons, pen and black ink on wove paper

Dimensions
10 3/16 in x 7 in (25.88 cm x 17.78 cm);28 1/16 in x 22 1/16 in (71.28 cm x 56.04 cm);10 3/16 in x 7 in (25.88 cm x 17.78 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
This work reflects the sculptor's growing interest in family groups. There are a large number of studies of family groups from this time period that show Moore's anticipation for new sculptural production after war's end. After his time in the underground bomb shelters during the Blitz of London during World War II, during which he created a number of ominous drawings, he moved out of London and began a new series of works. The same year this drawing was executed, he completed a commission for a Madonna and Child in Horton stone for the Church of St. Matthew in Northampton. 

Physical Description
Vertical drawing with two registers with both scenes featuring a dark background. The upper register has three adults sitting on a bench, with one child seated on the lap of the figure on the left. The bottom register shows three, less detailed figures sitting on the ground.

Primary Object Classification
Drawing

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
abstraction
families (kinship groups)
human figures (visual works)
infants
modern and contemporary art
seated
sitting