Explore the Background of this artwork, Reclining Figure (Lincoln Center).
Moore received the commission to create a sculpture for a pool of water outside the Lincoln Center in December 1961, with the substantial fee of $225,000 to cover all his costs, including materials, casting and shipping, using funds donated by Albert List and Vera List.  The center's architect, Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, suggested Moore, but there was resistance from some members of the Lincoln Center Arts Committee. Some objected to the selection of a European sculptor; Newbold Morris, then Parks Commissioner of New York City, described the work as "junk", and wanted it removed.Moore visited the site in 1962, exclaiming that the pool was as big as a cricket pitch, but declined to create a site-specific work. Instead, the work was based on some exiting ideas from Moore's earlier drawings and maquettes.  Moore was attracted by the idea that the work would be reflected in the water, and decided to work on the concept of woman and rock rising from the water.  (Meanwhile, back-room negotiations ensured that the Moore sculpture intended for the Lincoln Center would not become overshadowed by prospective Moore commissions for the Seagram Building, at One Chase Manhattan Plaza, and at Columbia Law School, although a cast of Moore's Three-Way Piece: Points was installed at Columbia in 1967.)
Gordon Bunshaft Seagram Building Newbold Morris Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Parks Commissioner of New York City One Chase Manhattan Plaza Albert List Three-Way Piece: Points Lincoln Center site-specific work Vera List cricket pitch Columbia Law School