Printmaking in the Age of Romanticism

Overview

Biblical mythology, idyllic landscapes, wild animals, political caricatures, sensuality and hardcore pornography all come together in this collection of monochromatic lithography prints, derived predominantly from the AGNSW's collection.

Linked by the medium of printmaking, as a whole what they show is the diversity of art and ideas in the Romantic age, an era which is too often simplified as having a coherent doctrine.

Comprising mostly English and French prints from the late 18th century through to the mid 19th century (by which time lithography became superseded by etching), highlights include a series of William Blake's deft and idiosyncratic reworkings of Old Testament passages and Eugène Delacroixâ's careful studies of lions and tigers. And yes, there is a touch of xxx, just look out for the work with all the people standing around it.

Image: Eugène Delacroix, Royal Tiger, 1929.