Figure in a Shelter by Henry Moore

The sculpture illustrates both the formal model of the inner and outer form and the basic motif of the sheltered and at the same time sheltering human figure. The sculpture consists of three parts mounted on a circular plinth. Two fragmented bowls, offset against each other, form the shelter, which is open at the sides; a third, smaller and obviously figurative part can be read as a standing female torso. The shelter forms have different dimensions and contours. The figure stands in the opening of the protective space, and the side that is most often seen shows a few female motifs. It is easy to see the figure as a motherly woman, although Moore has not embodied a child and only the swaying movement of the large diagonal fold in front of the body hints at her recurring mother-and-child theme.