LOUISE BOURGEOIS: COMPLETE BOOKS & PRINTS

Themes:

Body Parts, Figures

Techniques:

Aquatint, Drypoint

Description:

Aquatint and drypoint

Support:

Smooth, wove paper

Dimensions:

plate: 6 × 4" (15.2 × 10.2 cm); sheet: 11 1/8 × 8 3/4" (28.3 × 22.2 cm)

Signature:

Not signed

Publisher:

unpublished

Printer:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Edition:

1 known impression of version 2, state I

Impression:

Not numbered

Edition Information:

Proof before the editioning of version 2, state III.

State Changes and Additions:

Changes from version 1, in drypoint: composition transferred to a new plate; leg shortened beneath knee; stomach more prominently rounded; hair further delineated.
Changes from version 1, in aquatint: hair further delineated; outlines reinforced overall.

Background:

Bourgeois derived this title from a novel by Honoré de Balzac, the plot of which involved the domination of a father over his daughter. Bourgeois identified with the situation. Inspired by an exhibition project for the Maison de Balzac in Paris, Bourgeois created a series of works based on the character Eugénie Grandet. The exhibition “Moi, Eugénie Grandet” took place 11/2/10-2/7/11 and included an accompanying catalogue with an essay by Jean Frémon.

© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY