Ronald Moody
Hélène IV
1900-1984
Hélène IV
c.1950’s
Terracotta
15 x 11 x 11 cm
Hélène IV is an earlier sculpture within the Hélène portrait series, preceding Hélène VI. The work continues Moody’s exploration of portraiture through abstraction and stylisation. The resin medium allowed him to experiment with form, surface texture, and colour. Through the Hélène series, Moody developed a sustained investigation into the expressive possibilities of the human head and face.
This portrait was done shortly after Moody recovered from tuberculosis, when it was still impossible for him to undertake heavy work. Encourage by his friend Peter O’Malley the potter, he produced a series of small heads in terracotta, all but one of which were portraits.
Hélène’s worn look bears witness to the pressure of the previous three years. Apart from her concern for the artist’s health and her daily hospital visits, her work as Terry Thomas’ (1953) personal assistant was extremely stressful. Added to which, she was also acting as the artist administrative assistant, carrying out negotiations concerning his sculpture.
IV is an earlier sculpture within the Hélène portrait series, preceding Hélène VI. The work continues Moody’s exploration of portraiture through abstraction and stylisation. The resin medium allowed him to experiment with form, surface texture, and colour. Through the Hélène series, Moody developed a sustained investigation into the expressive possibilities of the human head and face.
This portrait was done shortly after Moody recovered from tuberculosis, when it was still impossible for him to undertake heavy work. Encourage by his friend Peter O’Malley the potter, he produced a series of small heads in terracotta, all but one of which were portraits.
Hélène’s worn look bears witness to the pressure of the previous three years. Apart from her concern for the artist’s health and her daily hospital visits, her work as Terry Thomas’ (1953) personal assistant was extremely stressful. Added to which, she was also acting as the artist administrative assistant, carrying out negotiations concerning his sculpture.
