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Huntington Reunites Early Color Print with Gutenberg Bible

Unknown German artist, Christ on the Mount of Olives, about 1455–1465. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington has acquired a hand-colored German print that was once bound into its Gutenberg Bible. Depicting Christ on the Mount of Olives, it marks an early stage of color printmaking. Such images, almost always unsigned, were sold to religious pilgrims, making it difficult to trace their origins. An early owner of the Gutenberg Bible incorporated the print (and two others) into the book. It remained there until an auctioneer removed it for separate sale in 1825. Henry Huntington bought the bible for a record price ($55,000) in 1911.

The print exemplifies the dotted metal cut technique, popular before the 1470s flourishing of engraving. It becomes the Huntington's only example of this now-rare medium. Christ on the Mount of Olives will be shown in the Library Exhibition Hall from Mar. 12 to May 26, 2025. 

UPDATE: Andrew Kersey has more on the rediscovered print on the Huntington blog.
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Anonymous said…
LACMA's current landing page shows 3 Fowler- or MOCA-type exhibits with its "Mapping the Infinite" at the bottom and now closed. The museum's complete list of current displays involves mainly contemporary art. Only an exhibit on Mesoamerican art is different.

Govan's LACMA alienated the Ahmanson Foundation, now working with the Huntington. There was a hint not long ago about LACMA resuming its relationship. That foundation is one of the few major groups that for over 50 years was interested in making the museum more than [quote, unquote] a de facto museum of contemporary art, but frankly...not a very good one.

When LACMA announces new acquisitions in today's era, they're less likely to be, for example, a German work from the 15th century and more likely to be something from the LA Art Show at the LA Convention Center in January.

When the Geffen Galleries open next year, current trends will be even more inexcusable.
March 5, 2025 at 12:44 PM
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