Louise Bourgeois with Crown
Photograph (Portrait) • Attributed to Matthias Herrmann (widely known for his photographic series of Louise Bourgeois).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Portraiture / Conceptual Art.
Medium & Technique
Gelatin silver print or digital archival print; captures fine detail and tonal range in black and white.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, typically dated circa 1990-2000.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 16 inches; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A portrait of artist Louise Bourgeois wearing a dark crown, making expressive gestures with her hands. The image explores themes of female power, aging, and the persona of the artist as a matriarch or 'queen' of the art world.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the image appears clear with good tonal contrast, though being a reproduction in the provided image, a physical inspection is required.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 (depending on edition size and signature).
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $5,000.
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a professional photography studio, gallery specializing in artist portraits, or an editioned series by Herrmann.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a document of one of the 20th century's most influential sculptors. It captures Bourgeois's playful yet sharp public persona and her embrace of symbolic props in later life.
Notable Features
The crown is a recurring motif in photographic collaborations with Bourgeois, contrasting her frail appearance with an aura of immense creative authority.
Condition Issues
Potential silver mirroring (if gelatin silver), minor edge wear, or light fading if exposed to UV; no major damage visible in this sample.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free materials; frame with UV-protective museum glass; maintain a stable climate with 40-50% humidity.
Collector Notes
Louise bourgeois