University LibraryPrint Collection

Title:

The swan (The white swan) exhibition label

Narrative 1

Narrative:

Woodcut techniques produce relief prints. The technique involves creating the design onto the surface of the woodblock. Areas intended to remain white are cut away, leaving a raised surface that is inked and printed on. In The swan, Lindsay, who admired British printmaker Thomas Berwick (1753-1828) for his mastery of wood engravings, also used the ‘white-line’ technique. Fine cutting across the grain creates thin white lines in the form of waterlilies and reflections on the black body of water. Unlike his Goat and banksia print, Lindsay retained much of the surface area of the woodblock to create a deep foreground that is almost flat in perspective, like the Japanese woodblock print techniques he favoured. The graceful form of the swan is emphasized dramatically through the contrast of its white feathers against the dark water.

Authors:

Fung, Viona

McKean, Monica

Type:

Student exhibition

Objects:

The swan (The white swan)