In 1988, Erased de Kooning Drawing underwent a conservation treatment to remove the backing board that Rauschenberg likely applied to strengthen the paper prior to beginning the erasure. The removal of the board revealed this faint graphite sketch of a female figure by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) on the back of the sheet.
View of Robert Rauschenberg’s Erased de Kooning Drawing (verso, unframed)
Part of the Rauschenberg Research Project
Related to Erased de Kooning Drawing, 1953
View of Robert Rauschenberg’s Erased de Kooning Drawing (verso, unframed)
Related to Erased de Kooning Drawing, 1953
Part of the Rauschenberg Research Project
View of Robert Rauschenberg’s Erased de Kooning Drawing (verso, unframed) showing an untitled drawing by Willem de Kooning (ca. 1953). Graphite on paper, 16 1/2 x 14 1/8 in. (41.9 x 35.9 cm). Collection SFMOMA, purchase through a gift of Phyllis Wattis; © The Willem de Kooning Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York