Lithography, steel engraving, and wood engraving techniques held a dominant position in the field of reproductive and applied graphics the nineteenth century. However, the so-called “Long Century” was also characterised by an increase in artistic graphics ⁠–⁠ graphic art objects viewed as independent artworks. Nevertheless, during the second third of the nineteenth century graphic art was mainly limited to its reproductive and information-providing function. One of the few artists who devoted himself to artistic graphic art even during this time was the painter Bedřich Havránek (1821⁠–⁠1899), whose 200th birth anniversary it is this year. In addition to the final prints, this collection includes examples of different print states ⁠–⁠ interim stages that result from the various impressions made using a plate prior to the time it is finished, which provide the artist with information about such things as where shading needs to be added, or which details need to be enhanced. Thas is why some of the displayed prints may appear to be identical at first glance, however upon closer examination it becomes apparent that they differ in the degree to which they have been elaborated, the construction of light and shadow, and modelling.

Currator: Petr Šámal