What is a Print?
Print collecting has been central to The Museum of Modern Art’s mission since its inception. The first work accessioned into MoMA’s permanent collection was a printed self-portrait by Max Beckmann in 1929. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a Museum founder and passionate print collector, championed printmaking for its accessibility and potential to reach wide audiences, aligning with MoMA’s goal of fostering an appreciation for modern art. Her 1940 donation of 1,600 prints laid the foundation for a collection that now exceeds 50,000 works, ranking among the world’s finest.
To demystify the complex techniques behind printmaking, MoMA’s Department of Prints and Illustrated Books launched the What Is a Print? website in 2001, featuring animated demonstrations and examples from the Museum’s collection. This resource remains a global educational tool and a favorite among visitors.
This companion volume builds on the website, offering a deeper exploration of printmaking history and techniques through an expanded selection of masterworks. Reflecting the department’s commitment to a global perspective, it follows in the tradition of groundbreaking catalogues such as A Century of Artists Books and Artists & Prints. Thanks to Sarah Suzuki and the print department staff, this book makes the art and craft of printmaking more engaging and accessible than ever.
Print collecting has been central to The Museum of Modern Art’s mission since its inception. The first work accessioned into MoMA’s permanent collection was a printed self-portrait by Max Beckmann in 1929. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a Museum founder and passionate print collector, championed printmaking for its accessibility and potential to reach wide audiences, aligning with MoMA’s goal of fostering an appreciation for modern art. Her 1940 donation of 1,600 prints laid the foundation for a collection that now exceeds 50,000 works, ranking among the world’s finest.
To demystify the complex techniques behind printmaking, MoMA’s Department of Prints and Illustrated Books launched the What Is a Print? website in 2001, featuring animated demonstrations and examples from the Museum’s collection. This resource remains a global educational tool and a favorite among visitors.
This companion volume builds on the website, offering a deeper exploration of printmaking history and techniques through an expanded selection of masterworks. Reflecting the department’s commitment to a global perspective, it follows in the tradition of groundbreaking catalogues such as A Century of Artists Books and Artists & Prints. Thanks to Sarah Suzuki and the print department staff, this book makes the art and craft of printmaking more engaging and accessible than ever.
Print collecting has been central to The Museum of Modern Art’s mission since its inception. The first work accessioned into MoMA’s permanent collection was a printed self-portrait by Max Beckmann in 1929. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a Museum founder and passionate print collector, championed printmaking for its accessibility and potential to reach wide audiences, aligning with MoMA’s goal of fostering an appreciation for modern art. Her 1940 donation of 1,600 prints laid the foundation for a collection that now exceeds 50,000 works, ranking among the world’s finest.
To demystify the complex techniques behind printmaking, MoMA’s Department of Prints and Illustrated Books launched the What Is a Print? website in 2001, featuring animated demonstrations and examples from the Museum’s collection. This resource remains a global educational tool and a favorite among visitors.
This companion volume builds on the website, offering a deeper exploration of printmaking history and techniques through an expanded selection of masterworks. Reflecting the department’s commitment to a global perspective, it follows in the tradition of groundbreaking catalogues such as A Century of Artists Books and Artists & Prints. Thanks to Sarah Suzuki and the print department staff, this book makes the art and craft of printmaking more engaging and accessible than ever.
