Forging the Path to Abstraction Wassily Kandinsky’s woodcuts represent far more than a subsidiary aspect of his artistic production. These remarkable works served as an experimental laboratory where the Russian-born artist worked through fundamental questions about form, space, and perception that would ultimately revolutionise modern art. Whilst Kandinsky is justly celebrated for his groundbreaking abstract … Continued
The emergence of Impressionism in the 1860s fundamentally transformed artistic expression, and printmaking became a crucial medium for exploring and disseminating these revolutionary ideas. Impressionist printmakers, led by figures such as Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Camille Pissarro, embraced the medium’s inherent qualities to capture fleeting moments and atmospheric effects. Unlike traditional printmaking, which emphasised … Continued
The world of art print publishing is a fascinating blend of creativity and commerce, where artistic vision meets market forces in an eternal dance of supply and demand. From humble beginnings with woodcuts and engravings to today’s digital revolution, the print market has weathered countless storms whilst continuously reinventing itself. Understanding this complex landscape requires … Continued
Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press emerged from a unique convergence of his background, professional expertise, and the social circumstances of 15th-century Mainz. Born around 1400 into a patrician family involved in the cloth trade and ecclesiastical mint, Gutenberg possessed both the social connections and financial resources necessary for such an ambitious undertaking. His … Continued
1. Confusing Original Prints with Reproductions When collecting fine prints, one of the biggest mistakes is not understanding the difference between original prints and reproductions. An original print is created by the artist as part of the printmaking process itself – think etchings, lithographs, or screen prints where the artist directly works on the printing … Continued
The history of papermaking for fine art prints is a fascinating journey that spans over two millennia, beginning with the invention of paper in ancient China around 105 CE by Cai Lun, a court official during the Han Dynasty. This early paper was made from mulberry bark, hemp, rags, and fishing nets, creating a surface … Continued
Caring for prints properly will significantly extend their lifespan and preserve their value. For Framed Prints on Display Use archival-quality materials throughout. Mount prints with acid-free matting and backing boards, and ensure the frame has UV-filtering glazing – either museum glass or conservation-grade acrylic. Never let the print touch the glazing directly, as condensation can … Continued
The Foundation: Meticulous Documentation When insuring your print collection, the cornerstone of any successful insurance claim for your print collection lies in comprehensive documentation. Every piece in your collection should have a detailed record that includes the artist’s name, the complete title of the work, creation date, edition size and number, dimensions, medium specifications, and … Continued
The limited edition print size is determined by several interconnected factors that reflect both artistic intent and market considerations. The artist typically makes the primary decision about edition size based on their vision for the work’s exclusivity and their desire to maintain the piece’s collectible value, with smaller editions generally commanding higher prices per print. … Continued
A lithograph is a printmaking technique invented in the late 18th century by German author Alois Senefelder, based on the fundamental principle that oil and water repel each other. The process involves drawing or painting directly onto a smooth limestone surface (or specially prepared metal plate) using greasy materials like lithographic crayons, pencils, or tusche … Continued
An original print is a work of art created through a printmaking process where the artist directly participates in making the printing matrix and oversees the production of the edition. This distinguishes it from mechanical reproductions of paintings or drawings, as the print itself is the original artwork rather than a copy of something else. … Continued
The Revolution of Reproducibility The history of art is fundamentally transformed by a single revolutionary concept: reproducibility. While painting and sculpture remained the exclusive domain of wealthy patrons and institutions for centuries, printmaking emerged as the great democratizer of visual culture. From the earliest woodcuts of medieval Europe to the screen prints of contemporary artists, … Continued
What is Printmaking in Art? Printmaking is a traditional art form that involves creating multiple copies of an artwork through various printing techniques. This artistic process allows artists to produce identical or similar images on paper, fabric, or other materials using methods like woodcut, etching, lithography, and screen printing. Unlike painting or drawing, printmaking enables … Continued
The Practice of Print Exchange in Times of Political Distance Throughout history, printmaking has served as a unique medium for artistic exchange, capable of traversing geographical and political boundaries even when diplomatic relations were strained. The portable, reproducible nature of prints made them ideal vehicles for cultural dialogue, allowing artists to share ideas and aesthetic … Continued
The Influence of Japanese Woodblock Prints on European Impressionism The intersection of Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) and European Impressionism represents one of the most fascinating examples of cross-cultural artistic exchange in the history of art. Following Japan’s opening to the West in the 1850s, a flood of Japanese artifacts, particularly woodblock prints, reached European shores, … Continued
The Evolution from Technical Process to Creative Medium The Rise of Printmaking as an Original Art Form: the journey of printmaking from a purely reproductive technique to a celebrated form of original artistic expression represents one of the most fascinating transformations in art history. Initially developed as a means of duplicating images and texts, printmaking … Continued
The economics of prints: The relationship between artists and printmaking represents one of the most fascinating intersections of creativity and commerce in art history. While paintings often capture headlines with their astronomical prices, print editions have quietly served as the financial backbone for countless artists’ careers, providing steady income streams and broader market access. The … Continued
In the quiet workshops of 15th century Europe, a technological revolution was brewing that would transform human communication forever. Long before smartphones and digital screens, printmaking emerged as the world’s first mass communication technology, democratising visual information in ways that would fundamentally reshape how knowledge and art were shared. The World Before Prints Imagine a … Continued
What is a print? A print is a work of art created through the transfer of an image from one surface (called a matrix) to another (typically paper) using a variety of specialised techniques. Unlike a simple reproduction, a fine art print is an original artwork where the artist directly participates in the creation process, … Continued
The journey of building a print collection presents collectors with a fundamental decision: whether to focus on a specific theme, historical period, or artist. This choice will shape not only the collection’s development but also its potential value and cultural significance. Understanding these different approaches can help collectors make informed decisions that align with their … Continued
Explaining limited print editions, with all their complexities, numbering systems and signatures, to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the print market, is crucial for making informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will demystify these technical aspects of print collecting and help you navigate the market with confidence. 1. Understanding Edition Types Limited editions are perhaps … Continued
Starting a print collection is an exciting journey that combines personal passion with potential investment opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to classic masterpieces or contemporary works, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the print collecting world with confidence. 1. How to Start a Print Collection: Understanding the Basics of Print Collecting Before investing in your … Continued
What is a Certificate of Authenticity? Blue Curve (State III) , 1988, Ellsworth Kelly Portrait of a Boy in Profile, 1641, Harmensz van Rijn Rembrandt Godetia, 1973, David Hockney And Then…(Red), 2011, Takashi Murakami Who can legally issue a certificate of authenticity for a work of art? Well, I can. After all, I founded and … Continued
