Platemark s2e22 history of prints: Reproductive Prints (part two)

Platemark s2e22 is a continuation of a conversation about reproductive prints. Hosts Ann Shafer and Tru Ludwig define a reproductive print as one in which an artist created a design (a drawing, painting, sculpture) and another artist creates a print after that original design. These can be sanctioned by the first artist or not; they can occur long after the first artist‘s death. It is customary to acknowledge all the artists in the strip of lettering at the bottom of the print (called the address). This way credit is given where due. Over time, reproductive prints became quite formulaic and staid. When photography was developed in the 1830s, it wasn’t long before there was little need for the reproductive print. We’re showing our love for these too-long overlooked beauties.