LOUISE BOURGEOIS: COMPLETE BOOKS & PRINTS

Alternate Title:

Eugénie Grandet

Descriptive Title:

English translation: "Woman"

Themes:

Body Parts, Fabric Works, Figures

Techniques:

Aquatint, Drypoint

Description:

Aquatint and drypoint

Support:

Fabric, collaged on hand towel

Dimensions:

plate: 6 x 4" (15.2 x 10.2 cm); overall: 18 x 9 1/2" (45.7 x 24.1 cm)

Signature:

"LB" right lower margin, stitched in red thread.

Publisher:

unpublished

Printer:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Edition:

2 known impressions of version 2, state III, outside the edition on fabric

Impression:

Not numbered

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.
Changes from version 2, state II, by burnishing: front of leg, back of leg below the knee, and lower belly, all in aquatint, removed.
Changes from version 2, state II, in drypoint: front of leg, back of leg below the knee, and lower belly, reconfigured; eye enlarged.

Background:

The Alternate Title "Eugénie Grandet" is derived 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