Nude Reclining on Cushions

	Artist: Vincent Butler
	Title: Nude Reclining on Cushions
	Year: 1976
	Medium: bronze
	Dimensions:
	Suggested topic: figure composition
	Source: RSA Diploma Collection
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Description: Vincent Butler's sculptures have been concerned with the human figure above all else.Nude Reclining on Cushions was created from a hand-modelled clay piece, which was later cast in bronze. The form of this piece shows the sleeping figure apparently floating on pillows. This sculpture is a complex piece and presented challenges in the foundry at the time of casting because of the intertwining limbs of the model and the use of deep undercuts. Butler learned much of his craft from the bronze caster George Manzini, whose foundry was in Edinburgh. The figure is accurately modelled to give a lifelike appearance. Many tool marks have been left on the original clay surface, creating texture and offering more complex reflected highlights and shadows on the bronze cast. The patination, or surface colour and texture, offers the viewer warm earthy colours and a glossier, polished finish. A more matt surface would produce fewer highlights and would appear less reflective.The sleeping figure offers a sculptor the chance to create a very intimate piece. The pose taken by the model is a closed, protective one which is typical of someone sleeping. We draw our knees into our body, cross our arms over our chest and angle the head downwards, all in an attempt to preserve warmth and to offer protection from attack. A sleeping figure is vulnerable but also very tranquil - it is relaxing to watch someone sleeping. Can you visualise other poses a person could assume which have a different feel to them, such as anger, fear, joy or sadness? What form would these poses take to express these feelings?