The Holburne Museum in Bath is set to showcase the often-overlooked printmaking prowess of renowned artists like Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin. This exhibition, titled 'Beyond Impressionism', delves into the revival of printmaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when artists primarily known for their paintings also made significant contributions to this art form. The show highlights the inherent collaboration and exchange of ideas among artists, who drew inspiration from Japanese printmaking techniques and the works of earlier masters like Rembrandt and Goya.
One of the key artists featured is Manet, a founding member of the Société des Aquafortistes, an organization dedicated to promoting etching as a respected art form. His lithograph of fellow artist Berthe Morisot, created in 1872, is a prime example of his printmaking skills. The exhibition also showcases the works of James McNeill Whistler, known for his etchings of the Thames and Venice, which demonstrate a unique use of soft shading, reminiscent of his paintings. Visitors can admire Van Gogh's 'Gardener By an Apple Tree', a poignant scene sketched during his time at a retirement home.
The exhibition further explores the impact of lithographic printing advancements, enabling the creation of large, colorful prints that celebrated Parisian nightlife, as seen in the works of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Pablo Picasso's contributions are also significant, with a print of 'The Frugal Meal' and his iconic minotaur etchings from the 1930s, showcasing his mastery of the medium. Chris Stephens, the director of the Holburne Museum, emphasizes the importance of this exhibition in recognizing the artistic value of printmaking, stating, 'We wanted to acknowledge this great moment in the late 19th and early 20th century.'
'Beyond Impressionism: Printmaking from Manet to Picasso' runs from May 23 to September 13, offering a unique perspective on the artistic contributions of these celebrated painters. Additionally, the Victoria art gallery in Bath will host 'The Transience of Light', a showcase of Norman Ackroyd's printmaking, further enriching the city's cultural offerings.
