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Study for Fourteenth Stone

A work made of graphite and red chalk on tracing paper.

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  • A work made of graphite and red chalk on tracing paper.

Date:

1968–72

Artist:

Lee Bontecou
American, 1931-2022

About this artwork

The preparatory drawings, stencils, and trial proofs in the collection of the Art Institute show the extensive trial and error that went into the creation of Fourteenth Stone. Still, the artist was unhappy with Fourteenth Stone as published. Although she settled upon white ink on black paper for the final published print, she explained, “I wasn’t happy with the color. It wasn’t what I wanted. I should have said, ‘Just do it in black and white. Let it sit up as a strong black and white.’ I remember seeing it after and saying, ‘Well, it’s as good as it can be. It’s done.’” Nonetheless, Fourteenth Stone is among Bontecou’s subtlest and most evocative prints.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Prints and Drawings

Artist

Lee Bontecou

Title

Study for Fourteenth Stone

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1968–1972

Medium

Graphite and red chalk on tracing paper

Dimensions

60.5 × 94.8 cm (23 7/8 × 37 3/8 in.)

Credit Line

U.L.A.E. Collection acquired through a challenge grant of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dittmer; purchased with funds provided by supporters of the Department of Prints and Drawings; Centennial Endowment; Margaret Fisher Endowment Fund

Reference Number

1982.113b

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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