This lecture will focus on Rembrandt’s career as a printmaker and examine the methods and materials he used. Understanding Rembrandt’s role in the burgeoning print trade of his day, as well as finding out about the processes he used, will give us an insight into why Rembrandt is considered to be one of the greatest artists in the history of printmaking.
Biography
Whilst studying Edinburgh College of Art, Alfons Bytautas was introduced to the technique of etching, marking the start of a life-long involvement with printmaking. Shortly after joining Edinburgh Printmakers in the 1970’s, he served on their Board of Directors and subsequently joined the technical staff where he was Senior Etching Technician & Master Printer. In 1983 he studied in Paris at the celebrated printmaking studio, Atelier 17 – the studio of S.W. Hayter. In 1994 he was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Scottish Academy, becoming an Academician in 2006. As a printmaker, Alfons Bytautas has contributed to research in developing etching techniques that virtually eliminate the use of hazardous substances. He has directed numerous workshops, demonstrating these methods, throughout the UK and in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain & Japan. He is currently Principal Technician (Arts) at Northumbria University.
