The Image Multiplied: European Printmaking since 1400

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. demonstrate a critical understanding of the technical, socio-historical and art historical contexts of printmakers and their work;
2. distinguish between the various ways in which artists draw for process, identifying the qualities of mark that are specific to each print process;
3. evaluate the reasons why artists have made and continue to make prints;
4. identify period styles and historic print media, demonstrating an understanding and sure handling of technical terminology.

In Europe the print industry developed out of a need for reproductions and illustrations as a means to communicate information visually. Much of our knowledge of works of art before the introduction of photography, for example, came from the print. For over 400 years its function was imitative: engraving emulated pen drawing, soft ground the crayon, mezzotint the chiaroscuro of an oil painting, or aquatint the delicacy of watercolour. Some artists however saw the creative potential of printmaking, not just as way to reproduce their works in another medium, but for the intrinsic mark-making possibilities of each process. Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Francisco Goya, James McNeill Whistler, Pablo Picasso and David Hockney are among the many that recognised the creative potential of print as a means of expression.
This module examines the characteristics and role of printmaking within the European and, latterly, American tradition through an analysis of the work of some of its key practitioners. The relationship between image and process, the use of print as reproduction, and the development of the fine art print will be considered. Prints will be discussed in relation to their social, historical, art historical and technological contexts. At most classes there will be opportunities to study first-hand original prints from the School of Art Museum and through a trip to the National Library of Wales.

This module will be taught in two-hour long weekly sessions. Each week will include both a lecture and either a seminar or workshop on a specific topic. The lectures will survey aspects of the history of printmaking from the fifteenth century to the present day as well as occasionally showcasing staff research. Workshops will develop key skills such as understanding print processes and how to identify different prints. Seminars may involve some pre-reading exploring key texts in recent print history. Most sessions will provide opportunities for hands-on learning by viewing original prints from the collection of the School of Art Museum. There will also be a separate visit to view prints by Dürer, Rembrandt and Whistler at the National Library of Wales.

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6