ART 677: History of the Printed Picture with Dr. Karen Henricks | Spring 2016

This art history class was inspired by the MOMA exhibit and book titled The Printed Picture by Richard Benson. We’re exploring the history of the printed picture beginning with woodblocks and moving up to current technology. I’m excited about taking a closer look at various printing technologies and learning how they each work.

The Printed Picture (Exhibition Website)


Jan. 11th

  • Reviewed syllabus and class objectives
  • Discussed possible research project forms

Jan. 18th: History of Printmaking

  • Reading Discussion
    • Relief Printing
      • Woodblocks
      • Wood Engraving
    • Intaglio Printing
      • Engraving
      • Etching
      • Mezzotints
      • Aquatinting
    • Planographic
      • Lithography
      • Screenprinting
  • FOR NEXT WEEK: Everyone is researching a topic to present next week. I’m researching Picturesque America.

Jan. 25th


Feb. 1st

  • Watched Stephen Fry and the Gutenberg Press, a documentary on the Gutenberg Press that was super interested.
  • Discussed chapters 3 and 4 of The Printed Picture
    • the introduction of color
    • chromalithography
    • silk screens’
    • printing press technology up through typewriters

Feb. 8th

  • Watched a few chromolithogy videos
  • Discussed reading
  • Gave Picturesque America presentation
  • Discussed research projects