by Arianna

My Reflections

The very first time that I saw Henry Moore's "Arch" I thought that it resembled a wishbone. As I found out later, the artist's inspiration came from a pelvis bone. I was intrigued by how there was so much negative space which gave the sculpture a definite shape and outline. Also, the way the light hit the sculpture seemed to make it move. Sunlight would flow into each crevice and shadows covered the hidden gaps. When looked at from the front, the sculpture would become an inviting doorway, and it seemed like it was reaching out to grab you. The Arch is approximately six feet high and four feet wide. It is made of bronze and was probably made from casting. The unique thing about Henry Moore is that once he would cast a sculpture, he would go back and make minor details to the sculpture. This would make the texture of each sculpture different. The surface of the "Arch" has a smooth, flowing texture, which gave it a muscular look. At first, the sculpture seems rigid and stiff, but a second look at the sculpture shows its curving lines and liberal stance.