Fourteenth Stone

<p>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 <em>Fourteenth Stone</em>. Still, the artist was unhappy with <em>Fourteenth Stone</em> 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, <em>Fourteenth Stone</em> is among Bontecou’s subtlest and most evocative prints.</p>