Head III (1964) by Robert Clatworthy (1928-2015), Bronze, Edition 2 of 9, 38cm high by 19cm wide by 26cm deep
Head III (1964) by Robert Clatworthy is a striking example of abstract impressionism in bronze. Measuring 38cm high by 19cm wide by 26cm deep, this sculpture is Edition 2 of 9 and captures Clatworthy’s raw, expressive approach to form.
The piece depicts a man’s head, yet it avoids literal detail. Instead, the surface is alive with texture. Broad, gestural marks and visible tooling strokes dominate, giving the bust a visceral, almost primal energy. There are no clearly defined facial features, no eyes, nose, or mouth, yet the weight and presence of a human figure remains unmistakable.
Moreover, the heavily worked bronze surface adds to its intensity. As light strikes the ridges and gouges, shadows play across the piece, enhancing its emotional depth. It feels more like a memory of a person than a direct representation, fleeting, powerful, and unresolved.
Though modest in size, Head III commands attention. It would make a profound addition to any collection focused on post-war British sculpture or abstract figurative art. It invites quiet reflection, yet it holds a powerful emotional charge, challenging, ambiguous, and deeply human.
