LOUISE BOURGEOIS: COMPLETE BOOKS & PRINTS

Themes:

Objects

Techniques:

Drypoint, Engraving

Description:

Drypoint and engraving, with red ink additions

Support:

Smooth, wove paper

Dimensions:

plate: 8 7/16 x 10 7/8" (21.4 x 27.6 cm); sheet: 10 5/8 x 13 3/4" (27 x 35 cm)

Signature:

Not signed

Publisher:

unpublished

Printer:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Edition:

1 known impression of version 1, state III

Impression:

Not numbered

Edition Information:

Proof before the editioning of version 2, state II.

State Changes and Additions:

Changes from version 1, state II, by burnishing: partial removal of drypoint in large horseshoe.
Changes from version 1, state II, in engraving: hatch marks and nail holes added to large horseshoe.
Changes from version 1, state II, in drypoint: small horseshoe further shaded in; nail holes added to small horseshoe.

Background:

Bourgeois created prints as holiday gifts for a circle of friends. The editioned version of "Horseshoe" (version 2, state II) was the holiday gift for 2002. She signed the additional impressions (A.P., P.P., B.A.T.) in 2003, along with one outside the edition inscribed, "MoMA proof."

Curatorial Remarks:

To create the editioned version of "Horseshoe" (version 2, state II), Bourgeois began with a composition of two horseshoes, one large and one small. She developed the image through a series of state changes, and changes in orientation, before cutting the plate in two and separating the horseshoes. She then transferred the image of the large horseshoe to a new plate, from which the edition was printed.

The orientation of each composition is based on the signature or the printer notations on the verso. When neither is present, the orientation has been designated for cataloguing purposes.

MoMA Credit Line:

Gift of the artist

MoMA Accession Number:

1636.2008

© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY