He Disappeared into Complete Silence, Plate 8

1947

Louise Bourgeois

Associated Names
Louise Bourgeois

Artist, American, born France, 1911 - 2010

Atelier 17

Printer

Gemor Press

Publisher

The image displays elongated linear shapes resembling ladders arranged within a geometric space that suggests a room. The composition uses the ladders to create a play of perspective and depth, with some ladders leaning against walls and others appearing to ascend or descend. The configuration evokes a sense of construction tools, placed in an unconventional manner within the room. Floor and wall details, along with shadow lines, enhance the impression of a structured interior setting.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving in black on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Purchased as the Gift of Dian Woodner

  • Dimensions

    plate: 17.46 x 12.54 cm (6 7/8 x 4 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 25.4 x 17.78 cm (10 x 7 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2010.132.8

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Wye/Smith 1994, 36.3, XII/XII

Associated Artworks

See all 9 artworks
The image shows a composition of vertical and horizontal lines forming geometric shapes, including a tall rectangular form with a smaller trapezoidal shape on top. The design resembles an abstract architectural structure, with parallel lines adding texture.

He Disappeared into Complete Silence, Plate 1

Louise Bourgeois, Atelier 17, Gemor Press

1947

This is a photograph of the title page of a book or suite of engravings. The page features the title "HE DISAPPEARED INTO COMPLETE SILENCE" in large, bolded text centered near the top. Above the title, there is a handwritten dedication within a decorative line that reads, "For Margot and Alfred." Below the title, it is indicated that this is a "suite of nine engravings by LOUISE BOURGEOIS" with an introduction by MARIUS BEWLEY. The text "Gemor Press" is positioned at the bottom of the page.

He Disappeared into Complete Silence

Louise Bourgeois, Atelier 17, Gemor Press

1947

The image shows two tall vertical structures with clean, distinct lines and rectangular shapes. The structure on the left consists of a rectangular column supporting a wide top, resembling an elevated platform or a lookout tower. The structure on the right appears more cylindrical, with vertical lines giving it the appearance of a tightly banded silo or pillar. Both forms are set against a subtly textured background.

He Disappeared into Complete Silence, Plate 2

Louise Bourgeois, Atelier 17, Gemor Press

1947

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Cheim & Read, New York); purchased by NGA, 2011

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2015

  • Louis Bourgeois: No Exit, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2015-2016.

  • Louise Bourgeois: No Exit, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2015 - 2016, unnumbered catalogue.

Bibliography

1994

  • Deborah Wye and Carol Smith. The Prints of Louise Bourgeois. New York, 1994.

2011

  • Brodie, Judith. "Louise Bourgeois, He Disappeared into Complete Silence." Bulletin / National Gallery of Art, no. 45 (Fall 2011): 21.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: Plate 8; lower right in graphite: L. Bourgeois

Wikidata ID

Q76560586

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