Colour lithography became a popular print medium in Britain during the late 1940s and 1950s. Drawn by lithography’s painterly qualities, many contemporary artists of the period worked in the medium and joined groups such as the Society of London Painter Printers.

Standing Figures is one of a small group of lithographs by Moore published by School Prints in 1950. The forms of the figures have been highly simplified and reflect Moore’s work as a sculptor.

Moore was born in Yorkshire and studied sculpture at the Leeds College of Art and also at the Royal College of Art in London. By the 1940s he had established a successful reputation for his sculptural practice and went on to become Britain’s most prominent sculptor of the 20th century. Better known for his sculptural practice, Moore was also a prolific printmaker. He received many awards and honours including the prestigious first International Prize at the Venice Biennale in 1948.