Drawings to Prints December 17, 2010

The similarity of prints and drawings suggests a close and often complex relationship between these two branches of the graphic arts that date to the 15th century. The earliest engravings were line drawings transferred to the printing plate for reproduction. Later, many artists continued to work out their compositions as drawings before committing them to the permanence of the printed line. Noted artists provided professional printmakers with drawings or watercolors as models to be followed; other draftsmen found inspiration in printed images. In the 20th century, original prints were apt to be extensions of the painter-printmakers' personal drawing styles. This 400-year alliance between unique and multiple works on paper is explored through 30 drawings from the IMA's permanent collection and 30 engravings, etchings, woodcuts and lithographs, which relate to them.