matthewhawkinsblog

100 Master Drawings of the 15th and 16th Centuries from the Basle Print Room. I recently bought this book that was exquisitely produced to commemorate the centenary of the Swiss Bank Corporation. Designed by Andreas His and published in 1972 exclusively for the bank's clients it fulfils all of the expectations of a swiss publication of that period. The slip case, paper, binding, design, superb lithographs and commentary combine to give a unique insight into these early german and swiss drawings, including work by Hans Holbien (Elder & Younger), Albrecht Durer, Urs Graf and Niklaus Manuel Deutsch, and a range of techniques and content which feels increasingly familiar.

The book measures 285 x 380mm and the real revelation for me is that all of the drawings are printed actual size, this allows the viewer to engage with the images in a way that is not possible in most publications – you are looking at lines and marks as the artist intended them. When looking at established and renown works I subconsciously seem to impose physical and mental scale relevant to my own expectations and this book, by reproducing works at 100%, seems to re-ignite confidence in my own efforts.