LOUISE BOURGEOIS: COMPLETE BOOKS & PRINTS

Themes:

Nature

Techniques:

Drypoint

Description:

Drypoint

Support:

Smooth, wove Hahnemühle paper

Dimensions:

plate: 23 1/2 x 14 7/8" (59.7 x 37.8 cm); sheet: 31 5/16 x 22 5/16" (79.5 x 56.7 cm)

Signature:

Not signed

Publisher:

unpublished

Printer:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Edition:

2 known impressions of version 1, state IV

Impression:

Not numbered

Edition Information:

Proof before the editioning of version 2.

The other known impression of this state is in MoMA's Collection (Accession Number: 144.2012). It is not illustrated, due its similarity to this impression.

State Changes and Additions:

Changes from state III, by burnishing: portions of line intersecting roots removed.
Changes from state III, in drypoint: roots further delineated.

Background:

Version 2 of this composition was published as a benefit for the organization, "Ainu Minzoku-to Chikyu Shimin-no Kai," Sapporo, Japan. Bourgeois's son, Jean-Louis Bourgeois, visited Japan to accept an award for the artist. While there, he learned of the plight and poverty of the Ainu, an indigenous Japanese tribe. He asked his mother to execute a benefit print for the organization.

MoMA Credit Line:

Gift of the artist

MoMA Accession Number:

798.2008

© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY