One of the museum’s most varied collections, the collection features a wide range
of works on paper. With approximately 35,000 prints, drawings, photographs, watercolors,
posters and artists books, the collection stretches from the present day back to the
1500’s and includes a diverse assortment of media. Although artists of many cultures
are represented, the collection is especially strong in European and American works.
The first acquisitions for the department were
secured in 1895, and since that time it has steadily grown through significant gifts
from scores of patrons as well as strategic purchases by the museum. One of the
collection’s most important purchases was that of over 2,500 sketches by 19th-century
American artist, Thomas Cole, procured in 1939. Substantial bequests by John S. Newberry
in 1965 and Robert H. Tannahill in 1970 greatly enlarged the collection and in 1980 the
Schwartz Galleries of Prints and Drawings was opened to more effectively house and display the
diverse works. This was followed in 1983 by the opening of the Albert and Peggy de Salle
Gallery of Photography.
With over five centuries of works on paper, the collection contains a wide
variety of extraordinary pieces from some of the world’s best known artists. Highlights
include Michelangelo’s Studies for the Sistine Chapel, Degas’ Russet Landscape,
and Charles Sheeler’s stunning photograph, Wheels.
View a selection of Prints,
Drawings, and Photographs.
|
The Graphic Arts Council, an auxiliary of the
DIA, has commissioned two prominent artists to create limited
edition prints.
Click here to see how you can purchase one and support
the DIA at the same time.
|
|
