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Fourteenth Stone

A work made of lithograph from two stones in gray on ivory wove paper.

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  • A work made of lithograph from two stones in gray on ivory wove paper.

Date:

1968–72

Artist:

Lee Bontecou (American, 1931-2022)
printed by Zigmunds Priede
published by Universal Limited Art Editions (American, founded 1955)

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

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

Lithograph from two stones in gray on ivory wove paper

Dimensions

Image: 63 × 89.5 cm (24 13/16 × 35 1/4 in.); Sheet: 75.2 × 105.1 cm (29 5/8 × 41 7/16 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

1982.113h

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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