Fine art prints have a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. From the earliest forms of printmaking in ancient China to the rise of printmaking during the Renaissance, prints have been an important medium for artists throughout history. Here are some of the key moments in the history of fine art prints:
Woodblock printing: The earliest form of printmaking was woodblock printing, which originated in China around the 7th century. This technique involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the block, and then transferring the ink to paper.
Intaglio printing: Intaglio printing involves incising a design into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. This technique was popularized during the Renaissance and was used by artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt.
Lithography: Lithography was invented in the late 18th century and involves drawing a design onto a smooth stone surface using a greasy crayon or ink. The stone is then treated with chemicals that allow the design to be printed onto paper.
Screen printing: Screen printing is a relatively modern technique that was developed in the early 20th century. It involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto paper, and is often used to create bold, graphic designs.
Today, fine art prints continue to be a popular medium for artists and collectors alike. From etchings and lithographs to screen prints and digital prints, there are a wide variety of printing techniques and styles to choose from.