Collections

Reclining Nude

Sculptor: Butler, Vincent, RSA · 1933-2017

The Diploma Work is one of six pieces that were cast of this sculpture, "1/6" is inscribed on the central cushion that the figure reclines upon. In a copyright letter dated 2005 Vincent Butler cites the Diploma Work as 'Nude Reclining on Cushions' bronze, edition of 2. An edition is in the sculptor's own collection. (Copy of letter is in Butler's green 'Member's File') In an e-mail to the Collections Assistant of 16th November 2007 Butler reiterated the fact that there are only two casts 'one at RSA and the other still in my studio' he also explains the ethos behind the piece' all my work is ‘inspired’ by the human figure, that is, I simply employ a model and leave the precise pose to the model, only determining myself that I would like to have a standing, reclining or sitting pose. I thus do not have a pre-conceived idea in my mind, before starting a work, nor have I have ever tried to imitate the work of other sculptors or manners, whether ancient or modern. Everything comes from the model, whose own feelings about how he or she wishes to express the nude body are paramount..' (copy of e-mail in Butler's file).