Two Forms (Divided Circle)

Two Forms (Divided Circle)
Two Forms (Divided Circle) in Israel.
Year1969 (1969)
Dimensions237 cm × 234 cm × 54.3 cm (93 in × 92 in × 21.4 in)[1]
AccessionBH 477[2]

Two Forms (Divided Circle) (BH 477) is a bronze sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, designed in 1969. Six numbered copies were cast, plus one (0/6) retained by the sculptor.[2] The sculpture's dimensions are 237 centimetres (93 in) by 234 centimetres (92 in) by 54 centimetres (21 in).[1]

The front of the base has "Barbara Hepworth 1969" inscribed on it followed by the number of the sculpture, as well as "Morris | Singer | FOUNDERS | LONDON", both inscribed by casting.[1]

The sculpture is considered to be one of Britain's most recognisable works.[3]

The sculpture is late work by Hepworth, created only 6 years before her death in a fire at her studio in St Ives in 1975. It includes two vertical bronze semi-circles forming a broken circle approximately 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) across, each pieced pierced by one large hole. Both elements are welded to a bronze base. All three elements are hollow, and were cast in London by Morris Singer.[citation needed]

Hepworth designed the work after being diagnosed with cancer in 1966.[citation needed] She wanted the viewer's body to be engaged with her work,[citation needed] saying: "You can climb through the Divided Circle – you don't need to do it physically to experience it."[3]

Hepworth also made a series of nine maquettes about 14.5 inches (370 mm) tall, Maquette for Divided Circle, cast in polished bronze.[citation needed]

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  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference BarbaraHepworth was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Telegraph20Dec11 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).