Color Enlivens Black and White Renaissance Prints

long since faded, that would have hung in a tavern or brothel.

The second broadsheet, "Hunters Caught by Hares," shows a bunch of rabbits that have captured two hunters and their dogs. The rabbits are preparing a feast. In social commentary resembling political cartoons of today, the image "depicts the possibility of insurrection by those under oppression." This print is of average quality, using stencils in aptly-executed work.

The third broadsheet, "Comet Over Nuremberg," records an actual event that would have caused a stir. As prints, many broadsheets could be created and distributed to an eager public, much like a newspaper. The workmanship is detailed and very sophisticated. The colorist uses a wide variety of pigments with a series of precisely cut stencils. Drapery is enhanced with shading, such as a woman's dress utilizing varying shades of purple in its folds. Beautiful!

Black and white art can express much in its stark simplicity: light, shadow, flame, thunder and lightning. According to the exhibit, Erasmus claimed that applying paint to Dürer's woodcuts spoiled them. This exhibit sets out to answer questions about Renaissance painted prints like how was the color applied, what materials and techniques were used, who collected them, why were they painted, and why don't we know more about them. The hundred stunning examples and interesting placards give testimony that the exhibit is well-received. "Painted Prints" is an intense exhibit - one that I can't wait to delve into again. Brava, Ms. Dacker!

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