Impressionist paintings are particularly popular in Japan, and it surprises some fans that many of the Impressionists were also skilled and committed print artists. Now, though, Hachioji Yume Art Museum presents around 130 prints from the late 19th to the early 20th century, created by well-known painters such as Auguste Renoir and Edouard Manet.
The artists in this show created prints that effectively retained the style of their paintings, even though the techniques were drastically different. This show includes etchings (copper-plate printmaking) and lithographs (stone-plate printmaking) that illustrate how print art can be just as attractive as paintings, and how such works became just as popular.
Covering the rise of printmaking during the 19th century, this show also presents works from the Barbizon School, including prints by Jean-Francois Millet; from Dec. 2, till Jan. 29, 2012.
Hachioji Yume Art Museum; (042) 621-6777; 2F View Tower Hachioji, 8-1 Youkamachi, Hachioji-shi; 15-min walk from North Exit of JR Hachioji Station, JR lines. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. ¥500. Closed Mon. and Dec. 29-Jan. 3. www.yumebi.com.
