Cat. No. 350/III

Untitled, plate 1 of 5, from the illustrated book, The Laws of Nature

Themes: Figures
Techniques: Drypoint
Support:: Smooth, wove paper
Dimensions:: plate: 4 3/4 x 5 13/16" (12 x 14.7 cm); sheet: 15 1/4 x 10 1/16" (38.7 x 25.5 cm)
Signature:: "LB" lower right margin, red ink. "LB" right lower margin, red ink.
Publisher: unpublished
Printer: Harlan & Weaver
Edition:: 1 known impression of state III
Edition Information:: Proof before the editioning of state VIII on paper and of state IX on fabric.
Impression:: Not numbered
Background:: The artist told printer Felix Harlan that the figures in this series are playing an adult version of a French children's game, known as "faire des galipettes," meaning to do somersaults. In fact, the expression "faire des galipettes" is also slang for having sex, a punning reference that Bourgeois must have enjoyed.
Description:: Drypoint, with selective wiping, and red and blue ink additions
State Changes and Additions:: Changes from state II in drypoint: male's and female's features further delineated; female figure's hair and shoes delineated; male figure's hair, Adam's apple, and genitals delineated; groundline delineated.
Additions in red and blue ink: female figure's necklace delineated, anticipating state IV.
Additions in red ink: female figure's breasts delineated, anticipating state IV.
MoMA Credit Line:: Gift of the artist
MoMA Accession Number:: 1014.2008