Works on paper collection

Abstract

The Works on Paper Collection is comprised of prints, drawings, posters and reproductions, illustrations and print portfolios. The collection includes both original and reproductive prints and drawings with a thematic and subject emphasis on blacks from the late eighteenth to the twentieth century. Pre-twentieth century works consists of images directly referring to slavery and its abolition in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, and the depiction of black types and genre scenes. Early twentieth century works are predominately by American artists and address social themes and concerns. There is a significant collection of works by African American artists who worked for the Works Projects Administration (WPA). From this period are also, several series of original book illustrations. Contemporary fine art prints, drawings and portfolios explore, in addition to subject themes, stylistic directions concerned with modernist aesthetics. The collection of posters and reproductions chronicle events, history, politics and the culture of blacks world over. There are well over 4,000 posters in the collection.

Dates / Origin

Date created: 1700

Library locations

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Art and Artifacts Division

Shelf locator: Sc Art