Cantate Domino

myminifactory

This text provides an in-depth analysis of Barbara Hepworth's sculpture "Cantate Domino" and its context within her oeuvre and the broader landscape of post-war modern art. **Key Points** 1. **Context**: The work was created as a memorial to her son, Ben Nicholson Jr., who died in a drowning accident in 1937. The artist's reaction to this personal tragedy is reflected in the sculpture's abstract language. 2. **Contrast with earlier works**: Cantate Domino differs from Hepworth's earlier work, Northampton Madonna (1943-4), which she considered 'smug' and overly sentimental. In contrast, Cantate Domino employs a formal language that was integral to her contemporary sculpture. 3. **Public crises**: The work addresses themes of suffering and regeneration in the face of public crises, such as wartime bombing and pollution. This is reflected in Hepworth's statement about making something "that rises up, something that will win" in times of great unhappiness. 4. **Influence of other artists**: The sculpture appears to be influenced by Ossip Zadkine's The Destroyed City (1946-53) and Naum Gabo's Bijenkorf Construction (1956-7), both of which address themes of suffering and regeneration. However, Hepworth's work is distinct in its human dimension and scale. 5. **Awards and exhibitions**: Cantate Domino was selected for the São Paolo Bienal in 1959, where it won the International Prize. A cast (3/6) was acquired by the Museu de Arte Moderna São Paolo, while another cast (4/6) is located in the Middelheimpark in Antwerp. 6. **Personal significance**: The sculpture was intended for Hepworth's grave but was rejected due to local by-laws. A simple stone marks her grave, and a cast of Ascending Form (Gloria) is now placed at the entrance to Longstone Cemetery, Carbis Bay. **Key Concepts** * **Abstract language**: Cantate Domino employs an abstract language that reflects Hepworth's reaction to personal tragedy. * **Public crises**: The work addresses themes of suffering and regeneration in the face of public crises such as wartime bombing and pollution. * **Influence of other artists**: The sculpture appears to be influenced by Ossip Zadkine's The Destroyed City (1946-53) and Naum Gabo's Bijenkorf Construction (1956-7). * **Awards and exhibitions**: Cantate Domino was selected for the São Paolo Bienal in 1959, where it won the International Prize. * **Personal significance**: The sculpture was intended for Hepworth's grave but was rejected due to local by-laws.