Prints and Printmaking: An Introduction to the History and Techniques

by Antony Griffiths

A print is a pictorial image that has been produced by a process that enables it to be multiplied, and many of the best-known works by some of the world's greatest artists are prints. Yet little is understood about this popular art form. Now Antony Griffiths provides an excellent introduction for anyone who wishes to acquire a basic understanding of prints and printmaking. In succinct and lucid language, he explains the different printmaking techniques and shows both details and whole prints to demonstrate the effects that can be achieved. Woodcuts, engraving, etching, mezzotint, and lithography are among the many processes explained, illustrated, and placed within a historical context.

This fully revised and updated edition of the highly praised 1980 British publication is available for the first time in the United States. With its complete glossary, index, and helpful illustrations, Griffiths's book is the essential foundation for an intelligent appreciation of the printmaker's art.

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Nonfiction, School

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Saara Heikkilä · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well gathered introduction book with lots of useful information about printing techniques.

[Ben Kruskal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent description of the processes of art printmaking (as opposed to printing for replication), with lots of historical examples showing evolution of the techniques. Could have been simpler and with better diagrams to illustrate the methods.

[Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry but informative overview for a newcomer to printmaking.

[Chris Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good coverage of the history of printmaking up to 1980 or so.
Fails to cover anything outside of Europe and the US.