A new exhibition at the Holburne Museum in Bath is shedding light on the often-overlooked printmaking talents of iconic artists renowned primarily for their paintings. Opening on 23 May and running until 13 September, “Beyond Impressionism” features over 50 prints from the likes of Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso, illustrating how these artists played a pivotal role in revitalising a medium that had languished in the shadows since the mid-19th century.
Celebrating Artistic Versatility
While the vibrant oil paintings of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements are frequently celebrated, this exhibition seeks to remind us of the significant contributions these artists made to printmaking. Chris Stephens, director of the Holburne Museum, expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, “We’re beyond excited to be bringing such a range of major artists here. The paintings of the impressionists are so familiar, but we seem to forget that the same generation of artists, and their successors, radically changed printmaking.”
Stephens’ inspiration for the exhibition sparked during his visit to the Frieze Masters art fair in London, where he encountered Gauguin’s striking woodcuts. He noted their “sense of immediacy” and recognised the need to pay tribute to the resurgence of printmaking during a time when it had been relegated to mere commercial reproductions.
The Impact of Printmaking
Historically, printmaking has enjoyed a fluctuating reputation. Artists like Rembrandt and Goya were celebrated for their printmaking prowess, but by the 19th century, the medium was often associated with lesser reproductions. Nevertheless, leading painters of the era began to return to printmaking, elevating its status as a legitimate form of artistic expression. According to Stephens, this shift not only revitalised the medium but also fostered a collaborative spirit among artists, who drew inspiration from traditional Japanese printmakers.
The exhibition showcases a variety of works, including Manet’s lithograph of fellow artist Berthe Morisot from 1872, a piece that exemplifies the collaborative ethos of the Société des Aquafortistes, established in Paris to promote etching as an esteemed art form. Stephens highlighted the significance of this society, noting its role in encouraging artists to embrace printmaking.
Masterpieces on Display
Among the exhibition’s highlights are James McNeill Whistler’s evocative etchings of the Thames and the canals of Venice. Stephens remarked on Whistler’s skillful use of soft shading in his etchings, which mirrors the atmospheric effects present in his celebrated paintings. Visitors will also encounter Van Gogh’s “Gardener By an Apple Tree,” a compelling depiction created during his time at a retirement home, providing a glimpse into the artist’s observational prowess.
The exhibition further explores technological advancements in lithographic printing that enabled the creation of stunning, large-scale prints. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s vibrant depictions of Parisian nightlife and a series of Picasso’s audacious prints, including “The Frugal Meal” and his enigmatic minotaur etchings, underscore the transformative power of printmaking as embraced by these masters.
A Broader Artistic Context
“Beyond Impressionism” does not stand alone; it coincides with another printmaking exhibition, “The Transience of Light,” opening on 22 May at the Victoria Art Gallery, which will showcase the landscape artistry of Norman Ackroyd. This concurrent focus on printmaking in Bath underlines the importance of this medium in the broader context of art history and its continuing relevance today.
Why it Matters
This exhibition is a timely reminder of the artistic versatility and innovation that defined the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By rediscovering and celebrating the printmaking achievements of artists like Manet, Van Gogh, and Picasso, we not only honour their legacies but also inspire a renewed appreciation for printmaking as a vital form of artistic expression. In an era where visual art continually evolves, “Beyond Impressionism” encourages us to engage with the history of art in a more comprehensive manner, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of various artistic mediums.
