The Cult of the Statuette In Late Victorian Britain (No. 31)

Description

The New Sculpture Movement emerged in Britain at the end of the nineteenth century, signalling an important change in sculpture as artists shifted their emphasis to realism, emotion and sensuality.

This essay addresses questions concerning the status and function of the statuette in the domestic setting during the New Sculpture Movement, analysing the presentation and reception of such objects, the material conditions of their display, and the relationship between sculptor, statuette and collector.

Henry Moore Institute Research Fellows Jason Edwards (Cambridge University), Martina Droth (Reading University) and David Getsy (Northwestern, Chicago) each visited the Institute independently to consult the Archive of Sculptors' Papers extensive holdings of material related to the New Sculpture Movement. Their resulting collaboration developed into the symposium and display The Cult of the Statuette In Late Victorian Britain (6 November 2000, held at Lotherton Hall near Leeds).

As well as an essay by David Getsy titled 'Sculpture in the Home', this essay features short analyses of the twelve sculptures selected for the display, written by the three Fellows and Matthew Withey (Assistant Curator, the Henry Moore Institute).