Open Ended Nude
3 7/8 x 9 inchesOpen Ended Nude #81, 1977
paper: 3 7/8 x 9 inches
frame: 9 1/4 x 14 inches
numbered, signed and dated
#81 Wesselmann '77in pencil lower left recto. Inscribed in pencil on the verso: OPEN ENDED NUDE DRAWING EDITION #81 WESSELMANN pencil on 100% rag board 8215
Tom Wesselmann Digital Catalogue Raisonné Project
Tom Wesselmann Open Ended Nude #81, 1977, is registered under inventory number
P701.81in the Tom Wesselmann Digital Catalogue Raisonné Project published by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute.
Provenance
Collection of the Artist, New York
Sidney Janis Gallery, New York, with Sidney Janis Gallery label verso of frame
Private collection, New York, acquired from the above, 1978
Similar Drawings Exhibited
Sidney Janis Gallery, New York, 1978.
The Open Ended Nude drawings were often studies for larger works. Wesselmann used the template to experiment with different color combinations, a variety of hair colors and flesh tones, as well as stockings and other articles of clothing. As a result, although the same image is replicated, no two are identical.
TOM WESSELMANN OPEN ENDED NUDES
The Open Ended Nude drawings were often studies for larger works. Wesselmann used the template to experiment with different color combinations, a variety of hair colors and flesh tones, as well as stockings and other articles of clothing. As a result, although the same image is replicated, no two are identical. Initially, Wesselmann did not know how many ultimately would be produced. He meticulously recorded each work in his studio archive to keep lists of which color choices had been used and what number was next in the series. Wesselmann ended the series when he reached number 200, after working on it for almost ten years.
Drawn from a hand-made stenciland variably finished. Some were pencil only, one was colored pencil on tracing paper, a few were charcoal, but most were thinned acrylic with a range of color variations and combinations. Although the boards were meant to be identical sizes, there are slight variations, ranging from 3 13/16 to 4 1/16 inches, by 8 7/8 to 9 inches.
The series was ended when he reached number 200, after working on it for almost 20 years. There are several whose numbers could not yet be determined. They have the X designation in edition number.
Medium variations include: Pencil and acrylic on Bristol board; Pencil and thinned acrylic on Bristol board; Pencil on Bristol board; Pencil and charcoal on Bristol board; Pencil and thinned acrylic on rag board; Pencil on rag board; Pencil on shaped rag board; Pastel on rag board; Colored pencil on rag board; Charcoal on rag board; Pencil and thinned acrylic on rag paper.
