The theme of the reclining figure was one of the most important in Moore's work and one to which he returned throughout his life. It provided the artist with a motif from which he could try innumerable ideas. Moore wrote: ‘the reclining figure gives most freedom compositionally and spatially. The seated figure has to have something to sit on. You can't free it from its pedestal. A reclining figure can recline on any surface. It is free and stable at the same time . . .also, it has repose, it suits me - if you know what I mean'. The inspiration for this figure came from pieces of flint and bone found in the grounds of Hoglands. The result is a sculpture that both derives from nature and ultimately relates to the land in a much broader sense. Moore explained: ‘in my reclining figures I have often made a sort of looming leg - the top leg in the sculpture projecting over the lower leg which gives a sense of thrust and power - as a large branch of a tree might move outwards from the main limb - or as a seaside cliff might overhang from below if you are on the beach.'