Robert, plate 3 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

Cat. No. 458/II (fabric)

Robert, plate 3 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, Etching
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 are 2 known variant impressions of state II, outside the edition. One is printed on paper and is included in the Evolving Composition Diagram below. The other is printed on fabric and has hand additions; it was incorporated into the fabric work, "Nature Study," in Related Works in the Catalogue below.

There is 1 known impression of state I of this composition. That impression is included in the "Self Portrait" series set no. 1/5.

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.

The "Robert" of this title is Robert Goldwater, who was Bourgeois's husband and an American art historian.
Curatorial Remarks:
There are no source drawings for this series, unlike for many of Bourgeois's prints.
Description:
Drypoint and etching
State Changes and Additions:
Changes from state I, in etching: figure shaded.
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:
110.2012.3
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Robert , plate 3 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

2009

States
Robert, plate 3 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait
Robert, plate 3 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait

Series

2009

Self Portrait

Related Works in the Catalogue

Eternity, component no. 14 of 14
Self Portrait
Nature Study
A Million Ways to Cum, no. 2 of 16, from the series, Do Not Abandon Me

Related Works in Other Mediums

Robert
Robert
Portrait of Robert