Dark Dancer Watcher X

1983

Will Petersen

Associated Names
Will Petersen

Artist, American, 1928 - 1994

Jan Murdock

Printer, American, active late 20th century

The image displays fluid lines and simplistic shapes that create an abstract composition. In the top section, the contours form a rounded, amorphous figure with an elongated arm. The profile outline of a face is visible on the left. Below this, a similar line technique depicts a reclining figure. These abstract forms suggest human figures in a stylized fashion.
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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: 44.77 × 30.16 cm (17 5/8 × 11 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 56.04 × 37.78 cm (22 1/16 × 14 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.109.40.10

  • 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: X; lower right in graphite: Petersen

Watermarks

15 [patriarchal crucifix] 90 / Lana

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