The present lot is a small-scale marble replica of the artist’s country home in Easton, Connecticut, where Louise Bourgeois and her family took refuge during World War II. This house, purchased by the family in 1941, served as a recurring theme in Bourgeois’ work over the course of her career. Bourgeois depicted the country house in multiple mediums, but arguably the most beautiful and serene of these representations are the sculptures in marble, each of which is unique and completely handcrafted.

Each representation from the House series varies only slightly; some have gently curved façades, and varying numbers of windows and doors. The present lot however is one of the most perfect and flawless renderings, with smooth and immaculate edges, and most notably, no means of entering the secret and sacred interior. The work’s gently sculpted edges and soft white coloration give the hard medium a serene and almost tender appearance; the work becomes supple like a weightless cloud. Bourgeois’ attachment to the house comes through in her sensitive rendering of its obstinate architecture. When examining the piece, it is possible to sense the artist’s emotional investment in the object of her work, creating a peaceful, intimate moment between viewer and sculpture, and a window into the artist’s complex past.