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Twelve
Lithographs

Barbara Hepworth's Twelve Lithographs, created in 1969, exemplify her transition from sculptural forms into the realm of printmaking. This series explores Hepworth's fascination with organic shapes and spatial relationships, echoing her sculptural motifs in a two-dimensional format.

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Meaning & Analysis

Barbara Hepworth, celebrated for her sculptural innovations, ventured into lithography with the Twelve Lithographs series as a means to extend her sculptural vocabulary into printmaking. Each lithograph encapsulates Hepworth’s mastery in form and balance, echoing her sculptural works in stone and bronze. The series highlights her exploration of natural forms and geometric abstraction, themes that defined her artistic career.

Born out of Hepworth's desire to expand the tactile qualities of sculpture into the graphic realm, these lithographs employ smooth, defined lines and bold paint strokes to create dynamic compositions. Hepworth’s lithographs are not mere translations of sculptures but standalone artworks that emphasise spatial relationships and organic harmony.

Influenced by her time in St Ives and her close association with the St Ives School, Hepworth’s lithographs capture the essence of Cornwall’s landscapes and its interplay of light and shadow. Each print reveals Hepworth's meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to exploring the essence of form and materiality.

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