Desire, plate 2 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

Cat. No. 457/II

Desire, plate 2 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

State/Variant:
State II of II
Date:
2009
Series:
Self Portrait
Themes
Body Parts, Fabric Works, Faces & Portaits, Figures, Motherhood & Family
Techniques
Drypoint
Support:
Fabric
Dimensions:
plate: 4 15/16 x 3 3/8" (12.5 x 8.6 cm); sheet: 15 1/2 x 12 1/2" (39.4 x 31.8 cm)
Signature:
"LB" right lower margin, stitched in brown thread.
Publisher
Louise Bourgeois
Printer
Harlan & Weaver
Edition:
4; plus 1 A.P.
Edition Information:
There is 1 known variant impression of state II, outside the edition. That impression is incorporated into the fabric collage, "Faith Hope Charity," included in the Evolving Composition Diagram below.

There are 3 known impressions of state I of this composition. One state I impression is included in the Evolving Composition Diagram below. The other two state I impressions of this composition are incorporated in two large fabric clock works: "Self Portrait," 2009 and "Nature Study," 2009. See Related Works in the Catalogue below.

The 3 known state I impressions of this composition are each titled "Female," whereas the state II impressions included in sets 2/5–5/5 and A.P. 1/1 of the "Self Portrait" series are each titled "Desire."

All 24 sheets that comprise set no. 1/5 are mounted on a single large table cloth and arranged in the formation of a clock. See the first work titled "Self Portrait" in Related Works in the Catalogue below. That composition includes, above the clock, at top left, one additional drypoint printed by Harlan & Weaver, New York, and at top middle and top right, two digital prints printed by Dyenamix, New York. Set nos. 2/5–5/5 and A.P. 1/1 do not include these three additional prints.

There are variations in the fabrics used in this edition, including scorching or staining, as is commonly found in the old fabrics Bourgeois chose to use as printing surfaces.

Dimensions vary slightly throughout the edition because of hemming and stretching fluctuations.
Impression:
"No. 3/5" lower middle sheet verso, black ink, unknown hand.
Background:
This series depicts the story of Bourgeois’s life. Beginning with an image of a young girl, it progresses through marriage and having children, and finally, to predominant themes in the artist's work.
Curatorial Remarks:
There are no source drawings for this series, unlike for many of Bourgeois's prints.
Description:
Drypoint
State Changes and Additions:
Changes from state I, in drypoint: baby added.
Installation Remarks:
The 24 compositions that make up this series can be exhibited together or individually.
MoMA Credit Line:
Gift of the artist
MoMA Accession Number:
110.2012.2
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Desire , plate 2 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

2009

States
Female
Desire, plate 2 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait
Faith Hope Charity

Series

2009

Self Portrait

Related Works in the Catalogue

A Sparrow's Heart, no. 3 of 16, from the series, Do Not Abandon Me
Self Portrait
Pregnant, plate 8 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait
Eugénie Grandet
Eugénie Grandet
The Reticent Child
Nature Study
Pregnant Woman

Related Works in Other Mediums

Pregnant Woman
Mother
Pregnant Woman I