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Geoffrey Clarke — Symbol for Man VII
Geoffrey Clarke

Symbol for Man VII

Geoffrey Clarke's "Symbol for Man VII" is an abstract sculptural work that reflects the artist's exploration of geometric form and spiritual symbolism characteristic of mid to twentieth century modernism. The piece employs simplified, abstracted shapes to suggest the human figure or universal human experience rather than representing it literally. Clarke's approach demonstrates his interest in reducing form to its essential elements while maintaining references to the human condition.

Signed
Yes

Notes

LITERATURE J. LeGrove, Geoffrey Clarke Sculptor: Catalogue Raisonné, London, 2017, p. 39, no. S76, illustrated. EXHIBITED London, Park Lane House, Football and the Fine Arts, October - November 1953, no. 141, exhibited as part of Footballers. London, Arts Council of Great Britain, Football: An Exhibition of Paintings, Drawings & Sculpture organised by the Football Association, 1953-54, no. 134, exhibited as part of Footballers. London, Redfern Gallery, Geoffrey Clarke: Recent Sculptures, March - April 1965, no. 42. London, Taranman Gallery, Geoffrey Clarke: Early Engraved Work and Iron Sculpture, June - July 1976, no. 37. London, Fine Art Society, The Twentieth Century, September - October 2006, no. 32. London, Pangolin, Conjunction: Lynn Chadwick & Geoffrey Clarke, October - November 2015, pp. 23, 46-47, exhibition not numbered, illustrated. FURTHER DETAILS We are very grateful to Dr Judith LeGrove for her assistance in preparing this catalogue entry. Conditions of sale Brought to you by Pippa Jacomb Director, Head of Day Sale PJACOMB@CHRISTIES.COM +44 (0) 20 7389 2293 LOT ESSAY Symbol for Man VII was originally part of Footballers, 1953 (J. LeGrove, no. S66), a three-figure sculpture which Clarke conceived for the 'Football and the Fine Arts' competition of 1953. This competition was launched by the Football Association to celebrate their 90th anniversary, and was sponsored by the recently formed Arts Council of Great Britain. In 1965 Clarke first exhibited the three figures separately as 'Symbols for Man', the title which they have been known by ever since.

🔨 Auction Lot

Modern British and Irish Art Day Sale

March 19, 2026

Estimate: $6,000$8,000

Sold: $4,800

Lot 109

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About this work

Geoffrey Clarke, Symbol for Man VII

Geoffrey Clarke's "Symbol for Man VII" is an abstract sculptural work that reflects the artist's exploration of geometric form and spiritual symbolism characteristic of mid to twentieth century modernism. The piece employs simplified, abstracted shapes to suggest the human figure or universal human experience rather than representing it literally. Clarke's approach demonstrates his interest in reducing form to its essential elements while maintaining references to the human condition.

Signed
Hand-signed by the artist
Seen at
Christie's, London, United Kingdom

Related themes

Geometric, Monochrome, Bronze, 20th Century, Constructivist, Blue Chip, Mid Century Modern, Contemplative Mood, Steel Construction, Figurative Abstraction, Male Artist, Modernist, Sculpture, British Artist, Geometric Abstraction, Three Dimensional Form, Modernist aesthetics, Unique, British, Human Figure, Metal Sculpture, Abstract

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