The Printed Line
Stacked high in our studio are more prints than you could ever imagine. There are rows of lithographs, etchings, mezzotints and engravings, some flat, some framed. They adorn the walls of the studio, haunt the corners of forgotten boxes and most importantly take centre stage on our shop. With so many to choose from, it’s no easy task to select our favourites. Yet, here we are with a carefully curated collection of our most beloved monochrome prints that we think would make the perfect addition to any collection. So sit back enjoy these highlights, we’ve done the rummaging for you.
Sometimes less is more, as shown in this antiquity inspired print. This fine piece is straight from The Granger collection of historical prints documenting ancient Greek vases. This particular print depicts Etruscans chariot racing, captured in bold, crisp lines.
Granger Collection - 1812 Engraving, Etruscan Chariot Racing
This artist depicts an explosive turn on the idyllic streets of Paris that we know so well. The dynamic scene captures a dramatic explosion over the Champs-Élysées in Paris, filling the sky with bursts of light.
These children diligently winding wool reminds us to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The strong, bold lines and lovely details in the children’s clothes makes for a charming domestic scene.
Ruth Buchholz (1911-2002) - German School Mid 20th Century Etching, Winding Yarn
With so many small details, we could spend hours pouring over this exquisite etching. Hoisted into the air by angels, this beautiful print after Castello envisions the immaculate conception.
Raffaello Schiaminossi After Castello - 1603 Etching, The Virgin in Glory
Influenced by Beethoven's Symphony Number 3, this imaginative composition depicts a nude figure playing the trumpet as a cavalry storms by. The artist demonstrates their accomplished hand in the great contrast of textures within the scene. Paunzen certainly knows how to make monochrome exciting.
Arthur Paunzen (1890-1940) - 1918 Etching, Eroica I
Etched by one of our wonderful represented artists, this striking dry-point etching depicts Oedipus, the mythical Greek King of Thebes. Captured in profile with a dreamy look in his eye, this piece strikes a wonderful balance between simplicity and texture in print.
Terry Buchanan (b.1938) - 1997 Etching, Oedipus
We would love to know what is being said in this heated council. The classical figures appear to be taken from a frieze, with their statuesque bodies carefully placed into a dramatic composition. We love how the artist has used areas of deep cross-hatching to accentuate folds on their marble robes.
18th Century Etching - Various Figures
Nothing screams chic as much as this striking interior scene inspired by the house protagonist of Herman Hesse's 1927 novel, Steppenwolf. This acid bath etching perfectly captures the seamless style of the late 1920’s, and it’s decedent sense of interior design.
Woodcuts come in all different styles and forms. This striking portrait from our represented artist, Isabelle Mulvany, uses fluid, simple line work and block areas of ink to create an eye catching scene. Isabelle Mulvany - Contemporary Woodcut, Moonlit Melancholy
We love this highly stylised etching. Depicting a group of Swedish mountaineers huddled in a circle, the artist uses sweeping, continuous lines to capture their traditional dress and stern expressions. And let’s not forget to mention that frame!
Emil Åberg (1864-1940) - Swedish School Early 20th Century Etching, The Council
This sombre portrait of Dante should be hung in close proximity to one’s desk, to remind us of the appropriate levels of gloom for these short, cold February days… Just kidding! We think he’s actually rather charming and would make great company hung in an office or work from home space. Raffaello Sanzio Morghen (1758-1833) - 18th Century Engraving, Dante Alighieri
I wish more people could have seen our team’s faces when this beautiful 18th Century engraving came through our doors. At the centre of the scene is Demeter, Goddess of Harvest and Agriculture, goats and forest deities surround her the borders, making for a beautiful print with an ethereal essence.
This delightful acid etching never fails to catch our eye. Its unusual subject and tiny bursts of colour bring a real sense of charm to the naïve style. A small man is entranced by the nude figure in front of him, who twirls in a bubble of love hearts and cupid arrows. It’s kitsch and we love it!
Peter Jaques - 1982 Etching, High St Circe
The ever popular Hogarth print strikes again with this beautiful rendition of The Lady’s Last Stake. This high stakes game of piquet sees a very distraught heiress facing the loss of her fortune. Talk about drama!
T. Cheesman (1760-1834) after Hogarth - 1820 Engraving, The Lady's Last Stake
This simple scene is a great example of how printing and drawing can come together. Depicting the ascent of Jesus Christ, the artist captures the scene in expressive conte and printed lines.
Edouard Joseph Goerg (1893-1969) - Etching and Conte Drawing, Ascension of Jesus
One of the most wonderful things about engravings is that they allow us to have miniature masterpieces in our homes. We may never have a William Holman Hunt in our living rooms, but we can have this lovely engraving to remind us of the beautiful art that’s out there.
Joseph D. Miller After William Holman Hunt - 1909 Engraving, The Lady of Shallot
