How To Collect Prints

UNDERSTANDING MEDIUMThe first step in becoming a print collector and connoisseur is understanding medium. We start with medium, because to appreciate the workmanship of a print you must understand the process of making it.

There are many types of printmaking including: woodcuts, engravings, etchings, drypoint, lithography, aquatint and screenprints. For now, let’s focus on two types: etching and drypoint.

Etching was developed in the late 15th century, and was derived from the technique used to etch designs on swords. The first known etcher was an artist named Daniel Hopfer, but Rembrandt is seen as one of the first artists to master the medium. Pira-nesi and Whistler are some of the other most famous etchers. It was a popular tech-nique with artists from its initial use in the 15th century through today. In the early 19th century, however, some artists preferred to use a relatively new technique called lithography, which was an easier method of making prints. This led to a waning in popularity of the medium until its rediscovery in the second half of the century, during a period called the Etching Revival.

THE PROCESSSo, how are etchings actually made? The process begins with a metal plate that is covered in wax. The etcher then uses an etching needle to scratch away portions of the wax leaving the metal plate below exposed. The plate is then placed in an acid bath, and the acid bites away sections not covered in wax leaving grooves in the metal plate. The plate is cleaned, inked, and a print is created!

Often artists combine etching with a technique called drypoint. The drypoint technique is when the artist takes the etching needle and draws directly onto the plate allowing the metal it scratches away to remain on the plate. When the plate is inked, the excess metal soaks up the ink creating burr. Burr wears down quickly so if you see it on a plate it is likely an early impression.

FRANCIS SEYMOUR HADEN’S ETCHINGLet’s look at an example. In Francis Seymour Haden’s Twickenham Church both the etching and drypoint processes are used. If you look closely, the etched lines are somewhat rough on the outside. The figure by the water’s edge and the reeds and tree in the foreground were etched using drypoint.

Detail of an Detail of burr etched line

UNDERSTANDING STYLEOnce you understand a print from a medium point of view, you can move on to learning more about the artist and art historical time period.

You can learn about artist’s lives and work through online resources, or of course, by going to your local library. Many artists have catalogue raisonnees, which list the entire oeuvre of an artist. Here are some resources for research:

!www.askart.com www.printcouncil.org www.ifpda.org

The creator of our example is Francis Seymour Haden. He was a doctor by trade, however, he was such a lover of the etching medium that he was a main proponent in bringing about the Etching Revival. He founded the Royal Society of Painter Etchers, and worked closely with his brother-in-law, Whistler, until their personal issues lead them to go their separate ways.

Haden saw etching as a spontaneous medium, and liked to work directly onto the plate en plein air. His subject matter is often pastoral and idyllic landscapes, and he was interested in exploring light and texture. He drew inspiration from 17th century Dutch etchers, such as Rembrandt.

Twickenham Church is a classic etching by Haden. It illustrates a country town whose church steeple is present in the background. A sole figure sits in the fore-ground, giving the scene a sense of scale. The concentration of the drypoint in the foreground contrasts distinctly with the town in the background playing on light and darkness in this monochromatic scene.

IT COSTS HOW MUCH?Now, how much should you pay for a print?

Value is an abstract notion, and a print is worth as much as you would pay for it. However, the art marketplace does set values on artwork based on their desirabili-ty, and to determine how much a work of art is worth in the marketplace you should look at comparable sales. A comparable sale is an impression of the print that has sold at auction or is being offered at a gallery. Artnet.com, invaluable.com and auc-tion house websites are a good way to find these prices.

Remember: a value of a print can also differ based on edition sizes, the quality of im-pression and condition issues. So, if you see vastly different prices for the same print, dig a little deeper to try to understand what factors might affect its value.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT?You have three main resources where you can buy prints: auction house,

An auction house holds a variety of sales throughout the year. Prior to a sale you can go to the preview to see the pieces in person. If you are interested in a piece, you can leave an absentee bid, sign up for telephone bidding or bid in person. Most auction houses also now allow online bidding. You will have to pay an additional buyer’s pre-mium on top of the hammer price, which is generally 20-25%.

A gallery, on the other hand, often specializes in a certain time period or style. They have exhibitions throughout the year or visit art fairs to sell their inventory. Retail prices are often steeper—around 2 or 3 times what a work would sell for at auction. So, you can get deals at auction houses, but you will get more specialized attention and not be constrained by time at a gallery.

An art advisor knows a community of dealers, galleries, what is coming up for sale at auctions and can advise you as to what is a good purchase. Their fees are generally a

10% commission on top of the purchase price.

A BREAKDOWN

With every print you look at this is the process you should take:

1. Determine the medium

2. Learn about the artist and the subject matter

3. Determine its value

4. Determine the most appropriate marketplace

5. Purchase the print and build your collection

INTRIGUED?There is so much more to learn about the history of printmaking, and I hope you will

consider taking visiting my website: www.mcmillanfineprints.com

InventoryWe aim to bring our clients the highest quality Old Master and Modern prints

through our inventory so they may build collections they love. See what is in our In-ventory.

EducationOur mission includes educating our clients in the history and collection of fine prints through our blog, The Single Line, so those interested in the history of printmaking

to heighten their own level of connoisseurship in the field.

AppraisalsWe also offer appraisals for insurance, estate tax, estate planning, charitable contribu-

tion and equitable distribution purposes.

THANK YOU

As a thank you for downloading thisguide we would like to offer you10% off your first purchase from

mcmillan fine prints

In order to use the discount contact us at sarah@mcmillanfineprints.com to make a purchase.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the program and/or would like to set up a consolation to learn about how you can start your own print

collection!