Arched Figure

Cat. No. 1071/B, variant

Arched Figure

State/Variant:
Component B: version 1 of 3, only state, variant
Date:
1992-1993

Themes
Figures, Motherhood & Family
Techniques
Drypoint
Support:
Smooth, wove Somerset paper
Dimensions:
plate: 7 15/16 x 14 15/16" (20.1 x 37.9 cm); sheet: 22 1/16 x 30 5/16" (56 x 77 cm)
Signature:
"LB 1992" lower right margin, pencil.
Publisher
unpublished
Printer
Harlan & Weaver
Edition:
2 known variant impressions of version 1, outside the edition
Edition Information:
The other known variant impression of version 1, including chine collé, is not illustrated. It is in the collection of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.










This composition was issued as 4 separate editions:

Single sheet: “Arched Figure”: 50; plus 10 P.P. (numbered I/X-X/X)

Diptych: “Diptych for the Red Room”: 3

Triptych 1: “Arch of Hysteria” (photocopy; reduced size): 3 completed, of an announced edition of 7

Triptych 2: “Triptych for the Red Room”: 30; plus 10 A.P.

In the evolution of “Triptych for the Red Room,” the artist worked with impressions of components A, B, and C at various states. She also combined impressions at various states to create 6 unnumbered triptychs: three signed, with hand additions; two signed, with no hand additions; one unsigned, with no hand additions.

The Evolving Composition Diagram includes all works described above.

There are 4 printer's studies in MoMA's Collection (Accession Numbers: 470.2010, 471.2010, 472.2010, 473.2010). They are not illustrated here.
Impression:
Not numbered
Background:
"Triptych for the Red Room" was first exhibited in 1994 at Peter Blum Gallery with Bourgeois' related dual installation pieces, "Red Room (Parents)" and "Red Room (Child)" (see Related Works in Other Mediums).
Curatorial Remarks:
Catalogue Numbers for the various impressions refer to their location within the Evolving Composition Diagram, rather than to the version or state.
Former Cat. No.:
W & S 125
Description:
Drypoint
State Changes and Additions:
Matrices:
The progression of this composition involved 13 plates as well as photocopy versions of each component. The 13 plates included linear elements of the composition in drypoint and engraving; aquatint shading in the figures’ bodies; and various aquatint backgrounds.

State Changes:
Given the complexity of the development of this composition, the Evolving Composition Diagram is arranged by Component (A, B, and C for each sheet of this 3-sheet composition) and Format (single sheet, diptych and triptych) rather than by State and Version. State and Version changes are described, but specific plates (of the 13 utilized for this composition) are not identified.

Proof before the plate was steel faced.
Artist’s Remarks:
"You can tell by the mouth... she is obviously hysterical. This is the child threatening to commit suicide. The couple is at the right. It is called, 'You better shape up because I can't take it anymore.' ... But, in defense of the parent... talking as a parent... you must let the chips fall where they may. If you do things to the best of your ability, you cannot be responsible... your intentions were good." (Quote cited in Wye, Deborah and Carol Smith. “The Prints of Louise Bourgeois.” New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 1994, p. 213.)
MoMA Accession Number:
548.1993
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Arched Figure ; Arch of Hysteria ; Diptych for the Red Room ; Triptych for the Red ...

1992-2000

Source

1992

Altered States

Source

1992

Arch of Hysteria (double-sided)

Source

1991

Untitled
Component A
Triptych for the Red Room
Study for Component B
Untitled (Study for Arch of Hysteria)
Component B
Arched Figure
Arched Figure
Component C
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Diptych
Diptych for the Red Room
Triptych
Arch of Hysteria
Arch of Hysteria
Arch of Hysteria
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room
Triptych for the Red Room

Related Works in the Catalogue

Untitled
Untitled, plate 2 of 5, from the illustrated book, The Laws of Nature
Arch of Hysteria, plate 19 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

Related Works in Other Mediums

Arch of Hysteria
Red Room (Parents)
Untitled (Arch of Hysteria)
Arch of Hysteria
Red Room (Child)
Red Room
Arched Figure
Untitled (Arch of Hysteria)
Untitled (Arch of Hysteria)
Cell (Arch of Hysteria)
Arched Figure No. 1
Arched Figure No. 2
Arched Figure No. 3
Arch of Hysteria
Untitled