LOUISE BOURGEOIS: COMPLETE BOOKS & PRINTS

Themes:

Objects

Techniques:

Engraving

Description:

Engraving

Support:

Smooth, wove paper

Dimensions:

plate: 5 7/8 x 4 15/16" (15 x 12.6 cm); sheet: 8 7/8 x 8 3/16" (22.5 x 20.8 cm)

Signature:

Not signed

Publisher:

unpublished

Printer:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Edition:

2 known variant impressions of version 2, state II, outside the edition

Impression:

Not numbered

Edition Information:

There are two known variant impressions of version 2, state II, outside the edition, in MoMA's Collection. The additional impression (Accession Number 1473.2012) is inscribed "MoMA Proof" by the artist; it is not illustrated, due to its similarity to the A.P. impression seen in the Evolving Composition Diagram below.

State Changes and Additions:

Changes from version 1: outline of large horseshoe transferred to new plate.
Changes from version 2, state I, in engraving: additional hatch marks added.

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:

1582.2008

This Work in Other Collections:

Tate Modern, London

© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY