Object number1985.19.3

(Untitled)

Portfolio/Seriesfrom the series Inflammatory Essays

Date1979-1982

Artist Jenny Holzer (American, 1950-)

CultureAmerican

MediumCommercial offset lithograph in black ink on thin, wove pink paper

EditionUnlimited edition

DimensionsSheet: 17 x 17 in. (43.2 x 43.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase

On View

Not on view

Period20th c

Classification(s)

InscribedOn verso, by unidentified hand, lower right corner in pencil: 85.19.3

ProvenancePurchased from Rhona Hoffman Gallery

Vassar Exhibitions

Presses, Pop, and Pomade: American Prints Since the Sixties

Exhibition HistoryPresses, Pop, and Pomade: American Prints Since the Sixties, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, January 13 - March 19, 2006
DescriptionBlack italic text against a pink background reads: WHAT SCARES THE PEASANTS IS / THINKING THEIR BODIES WILL / BE THROWN OUT IN PUBLIC AND / LEFT TO ROT. THEY FEEL SHAME- / AS IF IT MATTERS WHAT POSITION / THEIR LEGS ARE IN WHEN / THEY'RE DEAD. LUCKY THEY'RE / SUPERSTITIOUS BECAUSE THEY'RE / EASIER TO MANAGE. MAKE AN / EXAMPLE OF 2 OR 3 REBELS, / DROP THEIR BODIES BY A ROAD, / GET THEM FLAT AND DRY / SO BONES SHOW AND THE GRASS / WEARS THE CLOTHES. SHOOT / THE FINGERS OFF ANYONE WHO / COMES TO COLLECT THE REMAINS. / THOSE BODIES STAY AS A SIGN / OF ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY. IF / PEASANTS THINK THEIR SOULS / CAN'T REST, SO MUCH THE BETTER.

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email loebcollections@vassar.edu