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Henry Moore | Shipwreck II (1973)
Henry Moore remains the heart and soul of British modernism. We all know his massive bronze sculptures that sit outside grand museums, but there is something truly special about his prints. They feel more personal, like a direct look into how his mind worked. Shipwreck II is a perfect example of this. It’s a beautiful, tactile piece from his later years that is always a favourite for collectors.
Created in 1973, Shipwreck II shows Moore’s lifelong love for the British landscape and organic shapes. This time, he moved away from his usual reclining figures to focus on the jagged, raw energy of bits and pieces washed up from the sea.
It is a five colour lithograph, and the depth he achieves is just wonderful. He used a mix of black and three different greys, but it’s that splash of soft, glowing yellow that really brings it to life. When you look at it, the textures almost feel like the weathered flint or driftwood you’d find on a walk along the coast.
If you’re looking to start or grow a collection of twentieth century British art, this lithograph is a brilliant choice.
What I love most about Shipwreck II is how "solid" it feels. Even though it is on paper, the shapes have a real sense of weight and presence. It’s a sophisticated, timeless work that looks just as good in a modern home as it does in a traditional gallery.
