Henry Moore's Mother and Child (1983) print portfolio is a tender and timeless exploration of the maternal bond. Through thirty etching and aquatint prints, Moore captures the universal emotions of love, protection, and nurturing between a mother and her child.
With £900 in the past 12 months, Henry Moore's Mother And Child series is one of the most actively traded in the market. Prices have varied significantly – from £525 to £2252 – driven by fluctuations in factors like condition, provenance, and market timing. Over the past 12 months, the average selling price was £900, with an average annual growth rate of -2.73% across the series.
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Mother And Child XIII Henry Moore Signed Print | 7 Dec 2022 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £765 | £900 | £1,150 |
![]() Mother And Child XXII Henry Moore Signed Print | 14 Sept 2021 | Sotheby's Online | £383 | £450 | £650 |
![]() Mother And Child VIII Henry Moore Signed Print | 7 Oct 2020 | Shapiro Auctioneers | £1,913 | £2,250 | £2,250 |
![]() Mother And Child I Henry Moore Signed Print | 16 Sept 2020 | Sotheby's Online | £1,615 | £1,900 | £2,500 |
![]() Mother And Child XXVIII Henry Moore Signed Print | 19 Jun 2020 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £850 | £1,000 | £1,300 |
![]() Mother And Child XXV Henry Moore Signed Print | 16 Apr 2020 | Shapiro Auctioneers | £808 | £950 | £950 |
![]() Mother And Child XIV Henry Moore Signed Print | 19 Sept 2012 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £808 | £950 | £1,150 |
![]() Mother And Child V Henry Moore Signed Print | 19 Sept 2012 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £510 | £600 | £700 |
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Henry Moore's Mother and Child print portfolio, released in 1983, is a captivating collection of 30 intaglio prints that celebrate the profound and timeless bond between a mother and her child. Throughout his oeuvre, in both sculptural, drawn and printed works, the bond between mother and child is a frequent theme in Henry Moore's work.
Choosing often to depict the tender and nurturing relationship between the two, Moore's predisposition to fluid and organic forms is perfectly suited to capture the symbiosis between a mother and child, expressive of the universal emotions of love, protection, and connection that exist in a parental bond. Owing to the universality and poignancy of this theme, Moore's works featuring mothers and children often prove among his most popular; in 2022, for example, a rare sculpture on the theme surpassed its £30,000-£50,000 pre-sale estimate to sell for an astounding £400,000. Offered at Dreweatts Modern and Contemporary Art auction, the sculpture's impressive sale can be attributed to both its rare material (the sculptor only worked in lead for a short period) and to its popular theme: maternity.
It is explicable, then, given the popularity of the theme throughout his career, that Moore chose to produce this comprehensive Mother And Child portfolio towards the end of his career, in 1983 - just three years before his death. Each artwork in the portfolio showcases Moore's mastery in capturing the essence of the maternal bond, stylistically drawing on his sculptural forms to convey an organic sense of tenderness and intimacy. The etchings echo Moore's sculptures, with their smooth curves and organic shapes, which evoke a sense of comfort and security. Nevertheless, the etchings possess their own unique quality, providing, in the sketchiness of some, a more intimate and gestural representation. Moore's ability to capture the emotional nuances of this relationship creates a poignant and relatable experience for viewers.
Moore's Mother and Child portfolio remains artistically significant thanks to its transcendence of cultural and temporal boundaries, resonating with audiences from different backgrounds and generations. It serves as a testament to the enduring and universal nature of the maternal bond, reminding us of the fundamental importance of love and care in our lives, as well as to Moore's mastery of human form and emotion. The Mother And Child portfolio is a powerful example of art's ability to evoke emotions, celebrate human connections, and remind us of the transformative power of love.