Nature Study

Cat. No. 743

Nature Study

Date:
2009
Themes
Abstraction, Body Parts, Fabric Works, Figures, Motherhood & Family, Nature, Objects
Techniques
Drypoint, Etching
Dimensions:
overall: 88 × 56 1/2" (223.5 × 143.5 cm)
Signature:
"LB" right lower margin, stitched in brown thread.
Publisher
Louise Bourgeois
Printer
Harlan & Weaver
Edition:
Unique
Edition Information:
The collage elements of this work are printed compositions described here and seen below in Related Works in the Catalogue.

The 12 compositions outside the outline of the clock are part of the edition of "Nature Study," 2009, a series of drypoints. This is set no. 1/5. Set 1/5 differs from set nos. 2/5­–5/5 and 1 A.P. in that it includes only plates 1–12 (and not plates 13, 14, or 15) of 15 in the series.

At center left: "Robert," plate 3 of 24, from the series, "Self Portrait." 2009. Drypoint.
This is 1 of 2 known impressions of state II of II, outside the edition, and the only known impression of this state with blue watercolor additions.

At center right: "Female," 2009. Drypoint.
This is 1 of 3 known impressions of state I of II, before the baby was added to the figure in state II. 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."
Background:
The "Robert," of the title of the printed composition at center left, is Robert Goldwater, who was Bourgeois's husband and an American art historian.

This fabric collage is one of eight unique fabric clock works Bourgeois made, all in 2009, which incorporate various compositions printed on fabric. The other seven are included in Related Works in the Catalogue below.

According to the Louise Bourgeois Studio, "Self Portrait," 2009 is the first such work Bourgeois made (see the fourth work in Related Works in the Catalogue below).

The overall fabric sheet that serves as the support for the work seen here is a table cloth.
Curatorial Remarks:
The 14 compositions incorporated in this fabric collage are printed on individual fabric sheets and stitched onto the overall fabric sheet.

The outline of the clock is stitched into the overall fabric sheet in black thread.

The clock's numbers were digitally printed on fabric by Dyenamix, New York, and stitched onto the overall sheet.

This work is not in MoMA’s Collection and could not be catalogued in person.
Description:
Fabric collage, with 14 compositions: 14 drypoints (1 with etching, and blue watercolor additions), and stitching
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Nature Study

2009

Collage
Nature Study

Related Works in the Catalogue

Untitled, no. 5 of 24, from the illustrated book, Hours of the Day
Robert, plate 3 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait
The Waiting Hours
Self Portrait
Nature Study
Female
Eternity
The Long Night
Self Portrait
Polar Star
The Long Night II

Related Works in Other Mediums

Untitled (Clocks)
My Day
Hours of the Day