The artwork, titled “Les Voleuses De Gratte Ciel,” was created by Louise Bourgeois in 1949. This piece is part of the Feminist Art and Surrealism movements and falls within the figurative, sketch, and study genre. It is also included in Bourgeois’ “Femme Maison” series.
The artwork depicts a minimalistic yet evocative sketch characterized by its delicate, pencil-drawn lines on paper. Central to the composition is a figure bending forward, seemingly struggling under the weight of an elongated, rectangular structure adorned with small window-like elements, implying the form of a skyscraper. The title, directly translated to “The Sky Scraper Thieves,” hints at a symbolic connotation, possibly reflecting themes of burden, domesticity, and the roles of women. Above and slightly to the right of the central figure, another form appears in a simpler, more abstract style, clutching what seems to be cushion-like objects. The juxtaposition of these figures may serve to contrast different states of being or societal roles. The simplicity of the medium and the rough, almost hasty execution draw the viewer’s focus to the conceptual underpinnings, a common trait in Bourgeois’ exploratory works.
