FDA-Sc.263-2026
Parts
Object number
FDA-Sc.263-2026
Object type
Identification
Title
Standing Form
Title Type
assigned by artist
Description
Abstract sculpture in an angular shape on top of a rectangle grey base
Comments
Both Portsoy and Coreen stone are serpentine, akin to the rock in the Lizard, Cornwall. Both Portsoy and Coreen are in Aberdeenshire, and though relatively soft are compact and take a high polish.
These simple standing forms are typical of Moelwyn Merchant’s work. Whether standing alone or in relationship to each other, they belong to what Josef Herman called “a mysterious universe”. Herman saw Merchant’s sculptures as metaphors of a spiritual journey: “They make sense because of the authenticity of their emotional content, but they leave open the choice of interpretation as all metaphors do”.
These simple standing forms are typical of Moelwyn Merchant’s work. Whether standing alone or in relationship to each other, they belong to what Josef Herman called “a mysterious universe”. Herman saw Merchant’s sculptures as metaphors of a spiritual journey: “They make sense because of the authenticity of their emotional content, but they leave open the choice of interpretation as all metaphors do”.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 295mm
width (actual size): 175mm
depth (actual size): 66mm
width (actual size): 175mm
depth (actual size): 66mm
Materials & techniques note
Coreen marble with stone base
Production
Person
Merchant, Moelwyn, 1913 - 1997 (Artist)
Date
1990
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Collection of the artist; by whom presented to Eton College in 1988, with continual additions presented until 1997
Exhibited: ‘Moelwyn Merchant’, School Library, Eton College, 1990 (catalogue item c); possibly ‘Sculptor and Poet’, College Library, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 3)
Exhibited: ‘Moelwyn Merchant’, School Library, Eton College, 1990 (catalogue item c); possibly ‘Sculptor and Poet’, College Library, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 3)
