Henry Moore is one of the leading modern British sculptors, whose works are inspired by natural forms such as people, animals and plants.
The theme of The Shape of Sheep is mother and child, and it was modeled on a sheep in the lambing season that could be seen from the studio. Although the form is very abstract, it looks like a female sheep is guarding her lamb, which is snuggled up to her, while remaining alert to its surroundings. Moore believed that his interest in the theme of mother and child lay in the infinite possibilities of sculpture in the relationship between two shapes, large and small. A work measuring 5.7 meters in height based on this prototype is exhibited in three places around the world, including the Henry Moore Foundation in the UK.