By Andrew Moir
“The Printmaker’s Art” showcases works from some of the best known artists of the past 500 years. Artists featured in the exhibition include Toulouse-Lautrec, Blake and Goya.
The Printmaker’s Art features 30 master prints and reveals the inspiration and craft of the world’s greatest artists up until the beginning of the 20th century,” said Senior Curator of Prints & Drawings, Valerie Hunter who assisted in compiling the display which has been curated by Hannah Brocklehust.
There are many highlights to be seen including Rembrandt’s etching, The Three Crosses, showing Christ dying on the cross at Golgotha but Hunter favours another biblical work. “One of the stars of the show is Durer’s Adam and Eve (1504) showing the couple in the Garden of Eden, just before Adam eats the fruit of knowledge.”
The technique of making prints involves drawing onto a surface such as a woodblock, metal plate or lithographic stone. The image can then be transferred onto paper in a variety of ways. Printmaking has produced some powerful and iconic artworks from the great artists. This exhibition has artworks dating back from 1480 right up to 1927.
With great depth and variety across the thirty pieces on display it is a great opportunity to view some works often kept secret by the gallery. Hunter would encourage any art lover to view this exhibition saying “[it’s] a lively insight into some works rarely on public display. Admission is free!”
The Printmaker’s Art exhibition will be on display at The National Gallery Complex on The Mound until the 23rd of May 2010.
