Carefully stored away and sheltered from damaging light, Telfair Museums holds a treasure trove of fine prints by some of the most widely known artists in all of Western art history. From July 25, 2015 – July 17, 2016 Telfair’s curators will share some of these rarely seen pieces in an exhibit, Prints from the Collection, which features approximately 40 European and American works dating from the 16th century through 1945. 

This exceptional exhibit at the Telfair Academy, Savannah’s only historic mansion and art museum, includes original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings on paper by Rembrandt, Cezanne, Degas, Renoir, Goya, and others. It also features American printmakers, such as Whistler and Bellows, and a special selection focused on the South. The exhibit includes one of the most recognizable images in the world, Adam and Eve, by Albrecht Dürer. 

“The museums’ print collection contains works by some of the most influential artists from the dawn of printmaking through present day,” said Lisa Grove, Telfair Museums’ director and CEO. “This art is rarely on public view because works on paper are particularly susceptible to damage from light. We’ve taken special care in order for a select group of these fine pieces to be seen and appreciated.”

One of the installation highlights includes the newly acquired etching The Flight into Egypt, A Night Piece by Rembrandt. 

“Thanks to many people—artists, directors, curators, and generous donors—Telfair has more than 700 prints in its permanent collection,” said Grove. “We’ve selected the best of the best from these art treasures to illustrate the importance and beauty of printmaking.”