The printmaking process involves using various technical skills and creativity to create evocative and visually exciting works of art. Throughout history, this art form has required a lot of ingenuity and creativity. After the invention of this form, the importance of printmaking was acknowledged.
The value of printmaking to society is immense. It allows people to reproduce text and images and can be distributed to the masses. It can also disseminate information through the mass production of books and religious illustrations.
Throughout its long history, printmaking has been able to serve various practical purposes. It is, therefore, highly regarded as an art form. Art enthusiasts and collectors can acquire an original work of art.
Through the Ages
The printmaking process involves tools and techniques to create a template or matrix, which then gets transferred onto another surface. Usually, the artist uses chemicals or wood to create the image and then inks the template.
Traditional printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography, woodcut, and engraving, require a printing press to produce even pressure. Through printmaking, artists can create multiple iterations of the same image. It has been regarded as an affordable way to share and communicate art.
The history of printmaking can be traced back to China’s Han Dynasty. The earliest known example of printmaking was a woodblock print from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. During the seventh century; the first paper was made.
The initial printmaking process involved carving away from the wood, creating negative space on the print when the ink was transferred to paper or fabric. After the introduction of movable type in the Chinese era, bookmaking became more versatile and practical. Since then, printmaking has been able to serve various purposes and artists throughout the world.
- 15th Century
The earliest known European prints were made during the 15th century, when woodcuts were used to make playing cards. Artists started using this technique to create bold and complex designs during this period. As the practice continued to evolve, artists added more complex backgrounds and architectural elements to their works.
Intaglio was introduced a few decades later, the first type of printmaking that utilized metal engraving; compared to woodcuts, the metal matrix held the ink and was transferred to paper. The earliest known example of this technique was the 1446 German print “The Flagellation.”
Johannes Gutenberg’s movable type printing press is regarded as one of the most significant contributions to the development of printmaking during the 15th century. Although he wasn’t the original inventor, he was able to use this technology in Europe during the 1450s successfully. His most famous works are the 1,300-page Gutenberg Bibles, which were made using gothic type.
- 16th Century
During the 16th century, several prominent artists emerged from Germany. One of these was Dürer, who influenced the development of printmaking in Europe through his work. His subjects included history, folklore, portraiture, and religion. He was known for his woodcuts, metal engravings, dry points, and etchings.
Among the most prominent artists during this period was Altdorfer, who was the first to use landscape subjects as subjects instead of backgrounds. Flemish economist Hendrik Goltzius was another notable artist who created different textures and surfaces through his woodcuts.
During the 16th century, skilled artisans and publishing houses took over the printing industry. Due to maps’ increasing popularity, publishers could purchase plates from their artists. They would then print them in large quantities, which can sometimes cause the original plates to break.
- 17th Century
As the reproductive and commercial nature of engraving continued to increase, artists started using acid etching. This type of printmaking was regarded as more flexible and creative. Italy was also becoming a center for this type of art during this period. One of the most prominent artists who emerged from Italy was Guido Reni. He was known for his delicate lines and dots.
French artist Jacques Callot was one of the first to use repeated acid bitings in his work to create different tones and textures. He also recreated the tapering and swelling lines of engraving using his etching needle.
In the Netherlands, an explosion of creativity was seen in the form of etching. One of the most prominent artists who emerged during this period was Hercules Seghers, known for his unconventional prints. He was able to create different styles through his work, such as using white lines and colored canvases. While many artists in the country created impressive etchings, Rembrandt has stood the test of time.
During this period, Rembrandt was able to create different types of works of art through his roughly 300 plates. He was able to develop different religious and historical subjects as well as mundane activities.