LOUISE BOURGEOIS: COMPLETE BOOKS & PRINTS

Themes:

Architecture, Fabric Works, Objects

Techniques:

Drypoint

Description:

Drypoint

Support:

Fabric

Dimensions:

plate: 17 15/16 x 11" (45.6 x 27.9 cm); sheet: 23 x 15" (58.4 x 38.1 cm)

Signature:

"L. Bourgeois" left lower margin, stitched in red thread.

Publisher:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Printer:

Harlan & Weaver, New York

Edition:

3 on fabric; plus an edition of 12 on paper with 3 A.P., 2 P.P., 1 H.C., 1 B.A.T.

Impression:

Not numbered

Edition Information:

There are 3 known variant impressions of the only state, on paper, outside the two editions.

There are variations in the fabrics used in this edition, as is commonly found in the old fabrics Bourgeois chose to use as printing surfaces. All 3 impressions in the fabric edition are included in the Evolving Composition Diagram below.

The Louise Bourgeois Studio lists the H.C. impression on paper as a "dedication print" because Bourgeois inscribed it and gave it as a gift to a friend.

Background:

This composition and the composition of the same title included in Related Works in the Catalogue below are both based on the glass panes in the sliding door between Bourgeois’s kitchen and parlor. A photo that shows the door is included in the Related Works in Other Mediums below.

Curatorial Remarks:

The plate dimensions of this impression could not be documented because this impression is not in MoMA's Collection and could not be examined in person. The plate dimensions listed are from the impression on paper in MoMA's Collection. Dimensions of fabric works often vary slightly due to stretching. The sheet dimensions were provided by the Louise Bourgeois Studio.

There are two unidentified shapes stitched to the left of the signature.

Other Remarks:

It is not known when the signature was stitched onto this fabric sheet. According to the Louise Bourgeois Studio, it may have been stitched by Bourgeois before she came to New York in 1938.

© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY