Two Figures

As indicated by the signature on the artwork, the IMA's version of Two Figures is the sixth of seven castings. It was produced through the Morris Singer foundry in London. It was cast in 3 pieces that were then bolted together at the base. Two Figures has been on view since its arrival at the IMA. The artwork has been featured in various locations in front of the museum's main entrance, and it is currently displayed on the Sutphin Mall, facing the Sutphin Fountain and the museum building.

Upon the rectilinear base stand two highly stylized figures. Each figure is somewhat lozenge-shaped and rises vertically. Each has a frontal, symmetrical, flat surface that contrasts with the gentle curve of the surfaces on the other sides. These flat surfaces are not quite parallel to the front edge of the base but instead slightly angle in toward each other. Both figures have narrow bases compared to the widths higher up, and they terminate on top with a flat, horizontal panel perpendicular to the front. The front of each figure has deep, circular holes, characteristic of Hepworth’s sculptures. Generally the bronze is smooth, with texture in the form of low-lying patches (a difference in…