Dark Dancer Watcher IV

1983

Will Petersen

Associated Names
Will Petersen

Artist, American, 1928 - 1994

Jan Murdock

Printer, American, active late 20th century

The image features bold, sweeping lines and a combination of organic and geometric shapes that create an abstract composition. The central focus is dominated by a large, curved figure with a profile reminiscent of a human face complete with drawn lines suggesting an eye and mouth. Above, dark lines and textured shading swirl like storm clouds, enveloping a more dynamic, winged form. In the lower right, a silhouetted figure in a hat and cloaked in flowing attire sits calmly.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hardground and softground etching, drypoint, engraving, and aquatint in black on Lana Gravure wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30.16 × 44.45 cm (11 7/8 × 17 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 38.42 × 55.56 cm (15 1/8 × 21 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.109.40.4

  • Portfolio Title

    Dark Dancer Watcher Suite

Associated Artworks

See all 10 artworks
The image consists of overlapping angular and curved lines creating a dense composition of shapes in a predominantly dark space. The abstract artwork suggests forms that may resemble a figure huddled or cloaked, with surrounding arcs possibly evoking wings or an encompassing environment. On the lower right, a smaller rectangular area features an outline of a simplified human figure, reminiscent of a sketch or a portrait, adding familiarity amidst the complexity.

Dark Dancer Watcher I

Will Petersen, Jan Murdock

1983

The image shows a beige background with a white rectangular label near the top center. The label contains faint grey markings resembling an abstract design and the text "DARK DANCER WATCHER SUITE" in uppercase letters. Below is a hand-written fraction "17/25" in red ink. The design is minimalist with neutral tones, simple typography, and a handwritten element.

Dark Dancer Watcher Suite

Will Petersen, Jan Murdock

1983

The image shows a combination of curved and angular shapes forming an abstract composition against a deep black background. On the left, there is a large, dark silhouette resembling a side profile of a human face with a prominent nose. Below it, angular, light-toned rectangles suggest structural elements like rooftops or walls. Above and to the right, lighter, swirling lines and patches evoke a sense of celestial or cosmic forms. This artwork merges familiar forms into a dream-like, mysterious scene.

Dark Dancer Watcher II

Will Petersen, Jan Murdock

1983

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Bob Stana and Tom Judy, Washington, D.C.; acquired 2019 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: 17/25; lower center in graphite: IV; lower right in graphite: Petersen

Watermarks

[ram's head]

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