Observe closely the Large Two Forms sculpture. It stands here in front of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. This is the former Federal Chancellery in Bonn. The Large Two Forms sculpture has been here since September 19, 1979.
The Large Two Forms is the work of Henry Moore. He was a renowned British sculptor. Moore created smaller versions in 1966. These were made of marble. He also made versions in fiberglass and bronze.
Helmut Schmidt was the German Federal Chancellor. He initiated a correspondence with Moore. They arranged visits. Schmidt convinced Moore to loan the last cast to the Federal Chancellery. The Large Two Forms was initially a loan. In 1981, Germany purchased the artwork. The price was 650,000 D-Mark.
Schmidt said the artwork was a sign of life. He felt it symbolized human connection. It also expressed humanity.
The Large Two Forms sculpture is made of bronze. It measures 365 cm x 610 cm x 400 cm. The sculpture features two large curving elements. They almost meet. Each element has oval openings. Some say the shapes resemble human pelvis bones. They are positioned as if they are copulating.
The organic shapes contrast with the building’s architecture. The architecture demonstrates modesty and objectivity. It deliberately distanced itself from the Nazi era government buildings.
The Large Two Forms had a fixed place on German TV in the 1980s. Millions saw it during Tagesthemen. It was in the studio background during reports from Bonn. The broadcast also showed the Federal Chancellery. It included the Langer Eugen building. These were architectural landmarks of Bonn.
Before Large Two Forms, another sculpture stood here. Hans-Dieter Bohnet’s Integration won a competition. It was installed in 1976. Only three years later, it was moved. Helmut Schmidt had the forecourt redesigned. Bohnet’s sculpture was relocated. It went in front of Langer Eugen. Large Two Forms then took its place.
Even after the government moved to Berlin, Large Two Forms remained. The building became the Federal Ministry. The sculpture is now a protected monument. It is an artistic landmark of the Federal District. It is a popular photo subject.
Four bronze casts exist. One is here in Bonn. Others are in Toronto, and New York. Another stands in Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms continues to inspire. It stands as a testament to human connection. It offers a striking contrast to its surroundings. It remains a symbol of art and history in Bonn.