Elisabeth Frink was part of a generation of artists who drew upon their experiences during the Second World War. Throughout her career she made sculpture based on animal and human forms, and sometimes combining them to create hybrids. She made many sculptures of male figures which often embodied a conflict between strength and vulnerability.

Fragility can be seen in their textured surfaces, evoking exposed flesh, as with Standing Man. Frink was more concerned with representing mankind than with portraits of individuals. Standing Man is a quiet observer, watching over the world.

Standing Man relates strongly to Frink’s Riace figures. These solitary individuals combine strength with a sense of quiet observation and isolation. Like the larger-than-life Riace figures, these works show the male form as muscular and powerful.

An exhibition of Frink’s sculpture, prints and plaster models – Natural Connection – is on display at The Weston until 23 February 2025.

Courtesy The Frink Estate and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.