Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Disc with Strings (Moon)

Barbara Hepworth, 1969

Name Class Date
Barbara Hepworth, Disc with Strings (Moon) (1969), The Hepworth Wakefield. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Barbara Hepworth originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/barbara-hepworth/
Artist’s dates
1903 – 1975
Painted
1969
Medium
Metalwork
Original size
59 x 47 cm
Movement
Contemporary Abstract Sculpture
Period
Modern
Held at
The Hepworth Wakefield originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/the-hepworth-wakefield-wakefield/
Artistic style
Contemporary abstract sculpture
Influences
Surrealism
Notable elements or techniques
Radial lines, Void creation
Subject or theme
Abstract

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Barbara Hepworth died in 1975; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2045. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 14, 2026

Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth

How big is it?

The original measures 59 × 47 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1900
  2. 1910
  3. 1920
  4. 1930
  5. 1940
  6. 1950
  7. 1960
  8. 1970

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 72 at death.

Painted when the artist was 66. The artist lived to 72. 113 of the 133 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) ▲ this work, 1969 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1947 Main working years: 1947–1965 Late works: from 1965

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/barbara-hepworth-disc-with-strings-moon-D6647E-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Putty #e0e1e1

    Catalogued palette

    • #E0E1E1
    • #1B1915
    • #A9A9A7
    • #555556

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Putty
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Barbara Hepworth over the last twelve months — 6 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 81.4%
    2. 2 Singapore 6.8%
    3. 3 United Kingdom 5.1%
    4. 4 Germany 3.4%
    5. 5 India 1.7%
    6. 6 United States of America 1.7%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Barbara Hepworth

    1. 1 Model for, 1947 7.7%
    2. 2 Itea, 1971 4.6%
    3. 3 Mother and Child, 1934 4.6%
    4. 4 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 3.1%
    5. 5 River Form, 1965 3.1%
    6. 6 Prototype for, 1962 3.1%
    7. 7 The Pond (Two Figures), 1922 3.1%
    8. 8 Spring (Arts Council Collection), 1966 3.1%
    9. 9 Barbara Hepworth at work on the plaster for Oval Form (Trezion) (Photo: Val Wilmer), 1963 3.1%
    10. 10 Shaft and Circle, 1972 3.1%
    11. 11 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 1.5%
    12. 12 Delos, 1971 1.5%
    13. 13 Hollow Form with White Interior, 1963 1.5%
    14. 14 Olympus, 1971 1.5%
    15. 15 The Shadow Dance, 1919 1.5%
    16. 16 Pierced Hemisphere I, 1937 1.5%
    17. 17 Desert Forms, 1971 1.5%
    18. 18 Disc with Strings (Moon), 1969 this painting 1.5%
    19. 19 Two Piece Marble (Rangatira), 1968 1.5%
    20. 20 Rhythmic Form, 1949 1.5%

    Together these works take 53.6% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 150 works by this artist, of which 50 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 18 of them, with 1.5% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 14, 2026

    Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth

    A Celestial Symphony in Metal and Stone

    In the quiet intersection of geometry and emotion lies Dame Barbara Hepworth’s 1969 masterpiece, Disc with Strings (Moon). This profound abstract sculpture serves as a window into the soul of British Modernism, inviting the viewer to step away from the chaos of the material world and enter a realm of profound serenity. At first glance, the work presents a striking dialogue between the celestial and the terrestrial; a large, luminous circular plate rests with grounded authority upon a dark, rectangular stone base. The silvered surface of the disc does not merely sit in space but interacts with it, catching the light to create a shimmering effect that evokes the ethereal glow of a full moon suspended in a midnight sky. It is a piece that demands a slow gaze, rewarding the observer with a sense of cosmic order and rhythmic peace.

    The brilliance of Hepworth’s technique lies in her ability to manipulate industrial materials to achieve organic, poetic ends. Through meticulous metal fabrication, she has transformed polished silver plate into a canvas of light and shadow. Radiating from the heart of the disc is a delicate web of horizontal lines that intersect with precisely carved circular voids. These apertures are not mere absences; they are intentional depths, filled with darker, muted tones that create an illusion of infinite space within the metal itself. This interplay between the reflective, bright surface and the shadowed recesses creates a rhythmic tension, much like the pulse of a living thing. For the discerning collector or interior designer, this sculpture offers a sophisticated focal point, bringing a sense of architectural weight and luminous grace to any curated environment.

    The Legacy of Unit One and Geometric Harmony

    To understand the emotional resonance of Disc with Strings (Moon), one must look back to the transformative era of the Unit One movement. Hepworth, alongside luminaries such as Ben Nicholson and Paul Nash, sought to redefine the trajectory of British art by synthesizing the dreamlike qualities of Surrealism with the rigorous logic of Geometric Abstraction. This sculpture is a mature distillation of those ideals. The circle, a symbol of wholeness and unity, acts as the anchor of the composition, while the intersecting lines suggest the interconnectedness of all things—a subtle nod to the cosmic web. There is no traditional subject matter here; instead, the "subject" is the experience of balance itself.

    For those seeking to integrate fine art into a contemporary living space, this work offers unparalleled versatility. Its palette of silver, grey, and deep black allows it to harmonize with both minimalist modernism and more classical, opulent decors. The sculpture does not merely occupy a room; it alters the atmosphere of the space, introducing an element of mystery and contemplative stillness. Owning a high-quality reproduction of such a seminal work is more than an aesthetic choice; it is an invitation to surround oneself with the enduring spirit of one of the 20th century's most influential sculptors, fostering an environment of intellectual depth and visual splendor.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 14, 2026

    Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Barbara Hepworth

    Born in Wakefield, United Kingdom

    early life and education

    dame barbara hepworth, a renowned english artist and sculptor, was born on january 10, 1903, in wakefield, yorkshire. she attended the leeds school of art from 1920 and later won a county scholarship to study at the royal college of art (rca) in london from 1921 until she was awarded the diploma in 1924.

    artistic career

    dame barbara hepworth's work exemplifies modernism, particularly modern sculpture. she was one of the few female artists to achieve international prominence.

    in 1933, she co-founded the unit one art movement with ben nicholson, paul nash, and others, seeking to unite surrealism and abstraction in british art.

    hepworth's early work was characterized by abstraction and her involvement with the paris-based art movement, abstraction-création.

    notable works and exhibitions

    oval form (trezion), a bronze sculpture, is part of the kimbell art museum collection in fort worth, united states. (view on AllPaintingsStore)

    two forms, a sculpture, is exhibited at the hepworth wakefield in wakefield, united kingdom. (view on AllPaintingsStore)

    totem, a marble sculpture, is also part of the collection at the hepworth wakefield. (view on AllPaintingsStore)

    legacy and museum collections

    barbara hepworth's work is widely recognized, with her sculptures and paintings forming part of various museum collections worldwide. the hepworth wakefield, named after the artist, houses numerous masterpieces from renowned artists, including hepworth's own works. (discover more about the hepworth wakefield on AllPaintingsStore)

    conclusion

    dame barbara hepworth's pioneering work in modern british sculpture has left an indelible mark on the art world. her legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, with her works remaining a testament to her innovative spirit and artistic genius. more about barbara hepworth on wikipedia

    Museum

    The Hepworth Wakefield

    On show in Wakefield, United Kingdom

    The Hepworth Wakefield: A Sanctuary of Sculpture and Light

    Located on the south side of the River Calder in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, The Hepworth Wakefield is more than just a gallery; it’s an architectural statement and a testament to Barbara Hepworth's legacy—a celebration of British modernist art that continues to inspire visitors today. Opened in 2011 by David Chipperfield Architects, this building embodies the spirit of its namesake: simplicity, elegance, and a profound connection with the surrounding landscape.

    Architectural Marvel:

    Designed by David Chipperfield, the gallery’s ten trapezoidal blocks are clad in pigmented concrete—a groundbreaking material choice that reflects Wakefield's industrial heritage while embracing a strikingly modern aesthetic.

    Hepworth Legacy:

    The collection houses over 400 sculptures and drawings by Barbara Hepworth, showcasing her pioneering approach to form, space, and material – from early figurative works to increasingly abstract explorations of the human figure.

    Diverse Artistic Voices:

    Beyond Hepworth’s contributions, The Hepworth Wakefield champions a rich tapestry of British modern and contemporary artists including Henry Moore, Helen Chadwick, and David Hockney, fostering dialogue between masters and emerging talent.

    A History Rooted in Tradition

    The gallery's origins lie in Wakefield Art Gallery, established in 1923 as a local cultural institution—a space dedicated to nurturing artistic appreciation within the community. However, it was the ambitious vision to create a purpose-built venue worthy of honoring Hepworth’s influence and furthering British sculpture that propelled its transformation into The Hepworth Wakefield.

    Early Years:

    Wakefield Art Gallery initially focused on displaying works by European masters alongside regional artists.

    The Prize Initiative:

    Launched in 2015, the Hepworth Prize for Sculpture provides a crucial platform for supporting emerging sculptural talent and bolstering British artistic innovation.

    Recognition & Awards:

    The gallery’s architectural brilliance was acknowledged with the UK's Museum of the Year Award in 2017—a testament to its commitment to excellence and engagement with visitors.

    Exploring Contemporary Art Through Sculpture

    The Hepworth Wakefield distinguishes itself through its unwavering dedication to showcasing contemporary art, particularly sculpture. Its curators strive to present exhibitions that challenge perceptions and ignite intellectual curiosity – fostering a deeper understanding of artistic expression and its role in shaping our cultural landscape.

    Recent Exhibitions:

    Highlights include retrospectives dedicated to artists like Helen Chadwick, offering fresh perspectives on groundbreaking work, and explorations of diverse artistic mediums.

    Community Engagement:

    Workshops, educational programs, and events extend The Hepworth Wakefield’s reach beyond its galleries—connecting with local audiences and promoting artistic literacy.

    A Unique Destination:

    Combining architectural grandeur with a vibrant artistic program, The Hepworth Wakefield provides an immersive experience for art lovers seeking inspiration and fostering appreciation for British heritage.

    Beyond Walls: A Celebration of Sculpture’s Influence

    The Hepworth Wakefield's ethos transcends mere display; it embodies a belief in sculpture’s ability to communicate emotion, provoke thought, and enrich our understanding of the world around us. Its commitment to supporting emerging artists ensures that British sculpture continues to evolve—inspiring future generations of creatives and enriching cultural discourse.

    The Tim Sayer Bequest:

    The gallery acquired Hepworth’s Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red (1943)—a monumental artwork previously sold at auction—thanks to a generous bequest from Tim Sayer, bolstering its collection of celebrated British artists.

    Ongoing Research & Collaboration:

    Partnerships with institutions like the Art Fund underscore The Hepworth Wakefield’s dedication to advancing artistic scholarship and fostering dialogue between art and society.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Disc with Strings (Moon)

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/barbara-hepworth-disc-with-strings-moon-D6647E-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Hepworth, Barbara. Disc with Strings (Moon). 1969, The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-disc-with-strings-moon-D6647E-en/
    APA
    Hepworth, Barbara (1969). Disc with Strings (Moon) [Painting]. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-disc-with-strings-moon-D6647E-en/
    Chicago
    Barbara Hepworth. Disc with Strings (Moon). 1969. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-disc-with-strings-moon-D6647E-en/
    Harvard
    Hepworth, Barbara (1969) Disc with Strings (Moon). The Hepworth Wakefield. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-disc-with-strings-moon-D6647E-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 14, 2026

    Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: abstract sculpture, circular form, radial lines. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Three Forms, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Barbara Hepworth was about 66 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 14, 2026

    Disc with Strings (Moon) — Barbara Hepworth Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    How can I get a print of "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth?

    "Disc with Strings (Moon)" is available as a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper. Orders are placed on this page, in the size of your choice.

    Do the colors of "Disc with Strings (Moon)" appear strong or soft?

    "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth shows a monochromatic color intensity.

    How does "Disc with Strings (Moon)" fit into Barbara Hepworth's themes and style?

    "Disc with Strings (Moon)" shares with Barbara Hepworth's other works its Contemporary Abstract Sculpture style and the recorded themes: surrealist abstraction, minimalist exploration, british modernism influence, geometric harmony, spiritual contemplation, form and void dialogue, sculptural meditation, hepworth's core aesthetic.

    What color harmony does "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth display?

    "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth displays a softly mixed palette color harmony.

    Who is the artist behind "Disc with Strings (Moon)"?

    "Disc with Strings (Moon)" was created by Barbara Hepworth. The information on this page describes Barbara Hepworth's original work.

    Does "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth use strong contrasts or soft harmonies?

    The color analysis of "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth records a statement contrast and a softly mixed palette harmony.

    Where should a reproduction of "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth be hung?

    Format (portrait) and recommended space (living room) are the two placement facts recorded for "Disc with Strings (Moon)" by Barbara Hepworth.

    Can I examine "Disc with Strings (Moon)" in more detail?

    "Disc with Strings (Moon)" can be examined layer by layer on the artwork's X-Ray page, a viewer inspired by a conservator's light bench with eleven optical readings of the image.