19th Century (years 1800 - 1899)

Printmaking changed dramatically in the 19th century due to technological advancement and aesthetic change. Printed images were produced and distributed via newspapers, journals, and books after the Industrial Revolution. In contrast to copperplate etchings and engravings, wood engraving, lithography, and photomechanical processes were introduced in the 19th century.

Lithography, introduced around 1800, enabled larger print editions from a limestone block. It inspired Romantic artists like Eugene Delacroix and commercial caricaturists like Honore Daumier in Parisian journals. Large-format, multi-colored lithographs revolutionized advertising and led to iconic posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Literary works illustrated by Gustave Doré often featured woodblocks carved in relief as wood engravings. Their seamless integration with letterpress printing made them ideal for illustrated books and newspapers.

As if in collective artistic resistance against industrial mass production, handcrafted etching returned. Rembrandt and Goya inspired the Barbizon School and James McNeill Whistler to paint detailed landscapes. Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro contributed to etching, aquatint, and lithography despite the Impressionist emphasis on ephemeral atmospheres.

Overall, 19th-century printmaking was a complex mix of technology and handcraft. Considering the pros and cons of mass production and handcraft, the era deepened and broadened artistic vision.

At Mark Shapiro Fine Art, we take immense pride in featuring an exquisite range of antique prints, available in diverse mediums including lithographs, engravings, and etchings. If you’re considering the acquisition of a coveted piece or inquiring about shipping fees, we invite you to contact us for personalized assistance. We’re also excited to unveil our premium framing services, designed to accentuate your artwork’s inherent elegance with the highest level of craftsmanship.