Early One Morning
Sculpture
Sculpture
Contemporary Minimalism
Modern
289.0 x 619.0 cm
Tate Britain
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Early One Morning
Reproduction Medium
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Artwork Description
Early One Morning - Sir Anthony Caro
“Early One Morning,” created in 1962 by British sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, stands as a cornerstone of minimalist abstraction and embodies the transformative spirit of postwar art. Held since its inception at Tate Gallery London, this monumental sculpture continues to captivate viewers with its deceptively simple form and profound exploration of space and materiality.
- Artist: Sir Anthony Alfred Caro (1924 – 2013)
- Born: March 8, 1924, in New Malden, Surrey, England
- Style: Minimalist Sculpture
- Medium: Painted Steel and Aluminium
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 6.2 x 3.35 metres (9.5 ft × 20.3 ft × 11.0 ft)
Caro’s artistic journey began with an early association with Henry Moore, absorbing the influence of organic forms and textured surfaces—a legacy that would inform his subsequent explorations. However, it was a pivotal encounter with American Abstract Expressionism in 1959 – specifically David Smith’s pioneering use of welded steel – that irrevocably altered his trajectory. This trip galvanized Caro's conviction that sculpture could transcend traditional conventions, prioritizing the interplay between material and space.
The sculpture itself is comprised of six interlocking planes of steel sheet, meticulously welded together to form a horizontal structure. These planes are painted in a bold shade of red—a deliberate choice by Caro—which serves not merely as colour but as an integral element of the artwork’s conceptual framework. Unlike earlier sculptures rooted in figurative representation, “Early One Morning” eschews recognizable imagery, inviting contemplation on fundamental questions about perception and form.
“Early One Morning” reflects the broader artistic currents of its time—the rejection of academic formalism and the embrace of spontaneity and materiality as expressive tools. It exemplifies Caro’s belief that sculpture should engage directly with the viewer's experience, creating a dynamic relationship between object and space. The resulting effect is one of openness and luminosity, mirroring the artist’s desire to liberate sculpture from constraints imposed by traditional sculptural conventions.
Its presence at Tate Britain underscores its enduring significance as an emblem of British modernist art and continues to inspire discussion about the role of abstraction in conveying emotion and exploring philosophical ideas. The sculpture's monumental scale reinforces this impression, prompting viewers to consider the vastness of space and the subtle nuances of colour—elements that contribute to “Early One Morning’s” profound emotional impact.
- Provenance: Presented by the Contemporary Art Society 1965
- Location: Tate Gallery, London
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
Sir Anthony Caro: A Pioneer of Modern Sculpture
Early Life and Education
- Born: March 8, 1924, in New Malden, Surrey, England.
- Family Background: Caro was the youngest of three children to a Jewish family.
- Education: He attended Charterhouse School, where he was introduced to sculpture through his housemaster and Charles Wheeler. Further studies included Farnham School of Art, Christ's College Cambridge (Engineering degree), Regent Street Polytechnic, and the Royal Academy Schools (1947-1952).
Artistic Development and Influences
- Early Influences: Initially influenced by Henry Moore, with whom he worked as a studio assistant from 1951-1953. This early association instilled in him an appreciation for modernist sculpture.
- Turning Point: A 1959 Ford Foundation scholarship led to a transformative trip to the United States, where he encountered American Abstract Expressionism and met key figures like Clement Greenberg, Kenneth Noland, and David Smith. The work of David Smith was particularly influential.
- Shift in Style: Inspired by his experiences in America, Caro abandoned figurative sculpture and began creating abstract assemblages using welded steel and found industrial objects.
Key Characteristics and Style
- Assemblage & Materials: Caro is renowned for his innovative use of materials – often ‘found’ or industrial components like I-beams, steel plates, and mesh.
- Removing the Plinth: A defining characteristic of his work is removing sculptures from their traditional plinths, allowing viewers to engage with them directly on the floor and experience them in a more immersive way. This challenged conventional sculptural presentation.
- Abstract Forms & Spatial Exploration: His sculptures are characterized by dynamic abstract forms that explore spatial relationships and create a sense of openness and movement.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
- Twenty Four Hours (1960): An early example of his abstract steel sculptures, now in the Tate Britain collection.
- Leaf Pool (1967): Showcased at Paintings in Hospitals, demonstrating his unique style and approach to form.
- After Olympia (1982-87): A large-scale narrative work inspired by the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, showcasing his ability to create monumental pieces with complex narratives.
- Exhibitions: Caro exhibited extensively internationally, including solo shows in Milan and New York, and participated in major group exhibitions.
Awards and Legacy
- Order of the British Empire (CBE): Awarded for his services to art.
- Triangle Arts Trust: Co-founded the Triangle Arts Trust in 1982, providing a space for artists to collaborate and experiment.
- Historical Significance: Caro is considered one of the most important British sculptors of his generation. His work revolutionized sculpture by challenging traditional conventions and exploring new materials and forms. He profoundly influenced subsequent generations of sculptors and continues to inspire artists today.
Artistic Movements
- Modernism: A core influence, breaking from traditional artistic norms.
- Abstract Expressionism: Impacted his shift towards abstraction and emphasis on form and material.
- Neoclassicism: Later work showed influences of classical Greek and Roman styles, particularly in narrative pieces like 'After Olympia'.
sir anthony alfred caro
1924 - 2013 , United Kingdom
Quick Facts
- Birth Date: 1924-03-08
- Birth Place: New Malden, United Kingdom
- Death Date: 2013-10-23
- Influenced By:
- Henry Moore
- Charles Wheeler
- David Smith
- Movement:
- Modernism
- Abstract Expressionism
- Neoclassicism
- Name: Sir Anthony Alfred Caro
- Nationality: British
- Notable Works:
- Leaf Pool
- After Olympia
- Twenty Four Hours

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