The American prints occupy rooms 29 to 34, along the west wall of the
building just south of the central vestibule. The exhibit is very
representative, and contains both historical and contemporary sections.
Gallery 29-Prints by Whistler. Here is a collection of Whistler's
etchings and lithographs, with a few drawings. The distinguishing
quality is an exquisite delicacy.
Gallery 30-Historical Prints. In this room one can trace the
development of American engraving and etching from the beginnings to the
present day. Starting on wall D one finds steel engraving illustrated
from the days of Paul Revere to its decadence; then the history of
wood-engraving to its flowering in Cole and Wolf; early and recent
American etching; and a few modern copper engravings and lithographs.
Gallery 31-Prints by Pennell. This room contains a splendid collection
of prints from all of Joseph Pennell's important series, in etching,
lithography and mezzotint-a remarkable display by one of the world's
greatest etchers.
Galleries 32 and 33-Contemporary Etchers. These two rooms contain a
rich collection of contemporary American work that should be studied
print by print. Even a superficial look will indicate that even without
Pennell and Whistler the American etchers are doing work universally
worth while.
Gallery 34-Color Prints. Here is an interesting collection of color
prints in both etching and wood engraving. It shows the achievement of
the younger artists in mediums that were practically unknown in this
country ten years ago.