Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Totem

Barbara Hepworth, 1960

Name Class Date
Barbara Hepworth, Totem (1960), 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
1960
Medium
Sculpture Bronze Molten metal poured into a mould made from the artist’s model, then finished and polished by hand.
Movement
Abstraction-Création Modernism
Period
Modern
Held at
The Hepworth Wakefield originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/the-hepworth-wakefield-wakefield/
Artistic style
Abstract Sculpture
Influences
Abstraction
Notable elements
Vertical, curves
Subject or theme
Form & Space

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 Oct. 10, 2026

Totem — Barbara Hepworth Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Totem — Barbara Hepworth

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 57. The artist lived to 72. 80 of the 133 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) ▲ this work, 1960 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-totem-D6655Q-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Gray #817c7c

    Catalogued palette

    • #817C7C
    • #B8B6B1
    • #6D6968
    • #D4D4D3

    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
    Gray
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant 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 — 9 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 66.7%4,800 visits
    2. 2 Spain 11.1%800 visits
    3. 3 Singapore 5.6%400 visits
    4. 4 United States of America 5.6%400 visits
    5. 5 United Kingdom 4.2%300 visits
    6. 6 Germany 2.8%200 visits
    7. 7 France 1.4%100 visits
    8. 8 Greece 1.4%100 visits
    9. 9 India 1.4%100 visits

    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 Mother and Child, 1934 6.4%600 visits
    2. 2 Mother and Child, 1934 6.4%600 visits
    3. 3 Hollow Form with White Interior, 1963 5.3%500 visits
    4. 4 Model for, 1947 5.3%500 visits
    5. 5 Itea, 1971 3.2%300 visits
    6. 6 Oval Form (Trezion), 1962 3.2%300 visits
    7. 7 The Pond (Two Figures), 1922 3.2%300 visits
    8. 8 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 2.1%200 visits
    9. 9 River Form, 1965 2.1%200 visits
    10. 10 Prototype for, 1962 2.1%200 visits
    11. 11 Three Forms 2.1%200 visits
    12. 12 Spring, 1966 2.1%200 visits
    13. 13 Spring (Arts Council Collection), 1966 2.1%200 visits
    14. 14 Barbara Hepworth at work on the plaster for Oval Form (Trezion) (Photo: Val Wilmer), 1963 2.1%200 visits
    15. 15 Totem, 1960 this painting 2.1%200 visits
    16. 16 Shaft and Circle, 1972 2.1%200 visits
    17. 17 Drawing for Sculpture (Santorin), 1955 1.1%100 visits
    18. 18 Three Figures – Project for Sculpture, 1951 1.1%100 visits
    19. 19 Delos, 1971 1.1%100 visits
    20. 20 Sculpture with Colour (Deep Blue and Red), 1940 1.1%100 visits

    Together these works take 56.3% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 150 works by this artist, of which 61 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 15 of them, with 2.1% of that attention (200 visits). 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 Oct. 10, 2026

    Totem — Barbara Hepworth Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Totem — Barbara Hepworth

    Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Totem’: A Silent Dialogue with Form and Space

    Barbara Hepworth's “Totem,” created in 1960-62, is more than just a sculpture; it’s an invitation to contemplate the fundamental elements of form, space, and human experience. This remarkable piece, crafted from alabaster or marble – materials chosen for their inherent luminosity and tactile quality – stands as a testament to Hepworth's pioneering role in British modernism. The work immediately commands attention with its strikingly vertical orientation, a deliberate choice that draws the eye upwards, suggesting an aspiration towards something beyond the earthly realm. The contrast between this upward thrust and the grounded, angularity of the base creates a dynamic tension, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of stability and movement within the sculpture’s composition.

    A Biomorphic Embrace: Form and Technique

    Hepworth's signature style is powerfully evident in “Totem.” The form itself is profoundly biomorphic – an organic echo translated into stone. It eschews representational imagery, instead focusing on pure abstraction, exploring the inherent qualities of the material. The sculpture’s surface is remarkably smooth, achieved through a subtractive sculpting technique: Hepworth began with a larger block of stone and meticulously removed material to reveal the desired shape. This process isn't merely about creating an image; it’s about coaxing forth the form already latent within the stone itself. The subtle tonal shifts in the polished surface – from bright highlights to shadowed recesses – are not accidental; they are carefully orchestrated to emphasize the sculpture’s three-dimensionality and create a sense of depth and volume. The precision of the carving, combined with the inherent texture of the alabaster or marble, results in a piece that feels both solid and ethereal.

    Symbolic Resonance: Ancestry and Spiritual Connection

    The title “Totem” immediately evokes associations with ancient tribal cultures and ancestral figures. While Hepworth herself resisted overly literal interpretations, the sculpture undeniably carries a potent symbolic weight. The vertical element can be seen as representing a connection to the heavens or a spiritual ascent, mirroring the traditional role of totems as guardians and symbols of lineage. The pierced openings within the form aren’t simply decorative; they invite contemplation, creating pockets of negative space that seem to breathe with an inner light. These voids suggest a sense of openness, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto the sculpture – perhaps reflecting on personal journeys or universal themes of connection and belonging.

    Historical Context: Modernism and Abstraction

    “Totem” was created during a pivotal period in Hepworth’s career, aligning with her exploration of abstraction-creation. This movement sought to move beyond representational art, focusing instead on the intrinsic qualities of materials and the fundamental principles of form and space. Hepworth's work, alongside that of artists like Ben Nicholson and Paul Nash, challenged conventional notions of sculpture, embracing a more elemental and expressive approach. The piece reflects the broader shift within 20th-century art towards a rejection of traditional styles and a celebration of modern materials and techniques. It’s a powerful example of how abstraction could be used to convey profound emotional and spiritual ideas.

    A Timeless Presence: Emotional Impact and Artistic Legacy

    Looking at “Totem” is an experience that transcends mere visual appreciation. There's a quiet serenity, a sense of contemplative stillness that permeates the sculpture’s form. It evokes a feeling of calm, inviting viewers to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with their own inner landscape. Hepworth’s ability to imbue stone with such emotional resonance is a testament to her extraordinary artistic vision. “Totem” remains a powerful symbol of modernism's enduring legacy – a silent dialogue between form, space, and the human spirit, offering a timeless invitation to contemplation.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 10, 2026

    Totem — 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 Totem

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/barbara-hepworth-totem-D6655Q-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Hepworth, Barbara. Totem. 1960, The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-totem-D6655Q-en/
    APA
    Hepworth, Barbara (1960). Totem [Painting]. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-totem-D6655Q-en/
    Chicago
    Barbara Hepworth. Totem. 1960. The Hepworth Wakefield. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-totem-D6655Q-en/
    Harvard
    Hepworth, Barbara (1960) Totem. The Hepworth Wakefield. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/barbara-hepworth-totem-D6655Q-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 10, 2026

    Totem — Barbara Hepworth Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Totem — 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: sculpture, abstraction, stone. 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 57 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 Oct. 10, 2026

    Totem — Barbara Hepworth Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Totem — Barbara Hepworth

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What material is Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Totem’ primarily made from?

      • A Bronze
      • B Alabaster or Marble
      • C Wood and Steel

    2. 2. The sculpture 'Totem' is best described as:

      • A A realistic depiction of a human figure.
      • B An abstract form exploring biomorphic shapes and space.
      • C A detailed portrait of Barbara Hepworth.

    3. 3. What artistic movement is Barbara Hepworth most closely associated with?

      • A Impressionism
      • B Surrealism and Abstraction-Création
      • C Renaissance Realism

    4. 4. The lighting in the photograph of ‘Totem’ is described as:

      • A Harsh and directional, creating strong shadows.
      • B Diffused and even, highlighting the sculpture's texture.
      • C Dramatic and theatrical, emphasizing the sculpture's form.

    5. 5. What does the title ‘Totem’ suggest about the sculpture’s potential meaning?

      • A It represents a religious offering to a deity.
      • B It symbolizes ancestral figures or spiritual significance.
      • C It is simply a descriptive name for the sculpture's shape.

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1B · 2B · 3B · 4B · 5B

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 10, 2026

    Totem — Barbara Hepworth Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    Which artist is "Totem" attributed to?

    "Totem" was created by Barbara Hepworth. The information on this page describes Barbara Hepworth's original work.

    Which period of Barbara Hepworth's career does "Totem" belong to?

    "Totem" represents the Mature Period of Barbara Hepworth.

    What are the date and style of "Totem" by Barbara Hepworth?

    "Totem" was made in 1960, within the Abstraction-Création Modernism movement.