Untitled (Spirals)
Original fine art print / Drypoint with hand-coloring • Louise Bourgeois (French-American, 1911–2010)
Style & Movement
Contemporary / Abstract Expressionist influence / Surrealist-inflected Psychological Art
Medium & Technique
Drypoint and ink on paper/fabric; featuring characteristic Louise Bourgeois gestural linework and repetitive spiraling forms.
Creation Period
Circa 2005
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 15 inches (image size); Landscape orientation, matted and framed.
Subject Description
The composition features a series of concentric spirals interconnected by arched, crossing lines. In Bourgeois's iconography, the spiral represents the 'attempt to control the chaos' and is a recurring motif related to her themes of maternity, the domestic sphere, and emotional tension.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent/Very Good; the sheet appears flat and the ink saturation is high. No visible foxing or fading.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 – $25,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$10,000 – $20,000 USD
Provenance History
Hand-signed 'Louise Bourgeois' in pencil lower right with edition number '47/50'. Likely acquired through a contemporary art gallery specializing in 20th-century masters or directly through the artist's studio/foundation.
Art Historical Significance
Louise Bourgeois is one of the most influential figures of 20th-century art. This work reflects her late-career obsession with the spiral, a form she used to explore themes of turning, twisting, and the cyclical nature of life. Her prints are highly sought after as they mirror the intimate psychological explorations found in her larger sculptures.
Notable Features
Features the artist's clear graphite signature and 'LB' initials within the plate. The edition size of 50 is relatively small for her late-period prints, increasing its rarity.
Condition Issues
Minor potential light-strike if not protected by UV glass, but no active damage or conservation concerns are visible in the provided image.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials; protect from direct sunlight via UV-filtering museum glass; maintain stable humidity/temperature to prevent cockling of the support.