Henry Moore, a renowned British sculptor born in Castleford, Yorkshire, on July 30, 1898, is celebrated for infusing his small works with a monumental quality. His distinctive semi-abstract style captures the essence of the fundamentally human experience in signed original sculptures and drawings.
Moore, considered the most prominent British sculptor of the 20th century, is known for his large, semi-abstract sculptures of the human figure that have had a profound impact on contemporary figural sculpture. His artistic journey began with studies at the Leeds School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London from 1919 to 1925. Influenced by a diverse array of sources such as pre-Columbian art, Italian Renaissance artists like Masaccio and Michelangelo, and the streamlined shapes of Constantin Brancusi, Moore's early works reflected a rich tapestry of inspirations.
As he delved into the 1930s, the work of Pablo Picasso and contemporary abstract artists left a strong imprint on Moore's artistic expression. His pieces from this period showcased high levels of abstraction with simplified, rounded forms carved from wood, adorned with indentations and holes interconnected by delicate metal wires. Nevertheless, the natural world remained the most profound and enduring influence on Moore's artistry. Drawing inspiration from natural objects like pebbles, rocks, bones, trees, and plants, Moore famously stated, "The human figure is what interests me most deeply." Moore's artistry transcends the physical realm to capture the essence of human existence through his distinctive semi-abstract style.
Among his major public commissions are outdoor sculptures for the UNESCO headquarters in Paris (1958); Lincoln Centre of the Performing Arts, New York City (1965); the City Hall of Toronto, Ontario (1966); and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1978). Moore died in Much Hadham, England, August 31, 1986.

In the present series of works; Henry Moore's The Artist's Hand celebrates the expressive power and versatility of the human hand including the particular eloquence of his own. Through his skilful renderings, Moore captures the gestures, movements, and emotions conveyed through hands, emphasising their role in communication and creativity. As a sculptor his hands were his most powerful tool. Moore as a pioneer, and the first British artist to become a global star in his own lifetime. His work came to symbolise post-war modernism and can be said to have caused a British sculptural renaissance. An edition of just 50 - these Lithograph works are open back framed where there is detail behind - please click on images. An edition from the original 50 can also be found inside the Tate Britain.