Dark Dancer Watcher IX

1983

Will Petersen

Associated Names
Will Petersen

Artist, American, 1928 - 1994

Jan Murdock

Printer, American, active late 20th century

This artwork features a dynamic arrangement of curved and angular lines that intersect and overlap. The abstract nature of the piece is evident in its combination of geometric shapes with fluid, organic forms. Below the abstract section, the silhouettes of two human figures stand facing away.
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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: 44.61 × 29.85 cm (17 9/16 × 11 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 55.72 × 37.78 cm (21 15/16 × 14 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.109.40.9

  • 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: IX; lower right in graphite: Petersen

Watermarks

15 [patriarchal crucifix] 90 / Lana

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