The Most Famous Printmaker, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the printmaker you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 24, 2024 08:26

With the surge of varied artistic expressions seen over the centuries, printmaking has stood out as a unique and impactful form of art. Determining the most influential figures in this field helps both new enthusiasts and seasoned art lovers connect with those whose creations have sparked significant trends and inspired countless other artists. Through the collective opinions of individuals worldwide, it's possible to create a dynamic and responsive list of celebrated printmakers, past and present. This kind of interactive ranking informs and entertains, providing insights into the pivotal contributions and the enduring legacies of these artists.

Who Is the Most Famous Printmaker?

1

34
votes
Rembrandt · Public domain

Rembrandt van Rijn

Dutch painter and printmaker who is considered one of the greatest artists in European history. He created over 300 prints in his lifetime, including etchings, drypoints, and engravings.
Rembrandt van Rijn in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Dutch painter
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Baroque artist
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Dutch person
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous artist of all time
2

38
votes
Albrecht Dürer

German painter, printmaker, and theorist of the German Renaissance. He is known for his highly detailed and realistic prints, including woodcuts, engravings, and etchings.
Albrecht Dürer in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous German artist
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous woodcarver
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Renaissance artist
3

18
votes

Hokusai

Japanese artist and printmaker who is best known for his series of woodblock prints, including the iconic "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." His work greatly influenced the development of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in Europe.
4

12
votes

Thomas Phillips · Public domain

William Blake

English poet, painter, and printmaker who is known for his visionary and mystical imagery. He created a unique technique called "relief etching" that allowed him to combine text and image in a single plate.
5

14
votes
Argentina. Revista Vea y Lea · Public domain

Pablo Picasso

Spanish artist who is widely considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. He created over 2,500 prints in his lifetime, including etchings, lithographs, and linocuts.
Pablo Picasso in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Spanish artist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most talented boy in the world
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous artist of all time
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous ceramic artist
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person with Dyslexia
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Scorpio
6

10
votes
Anders Beer Wilse · Public domain

Edvard Munch

Norwegian painter and printmaker who is best known for his iconic painting "The Scream." He created a series of prints that explored themes of anxiety, isolation, and mortality.
Edvard Munch in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Norwegian
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Danish artist
7

12
votes
Hugo Erfurth · Public domain

Käthe Kollwitz

German artist and printmaker who is known for her powerful images of social and political injustice. She created a series of prints that depicted the suffering of women, children, and workers during World War I and II.
Käthe Kollwitz in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous German artist
8

6
votes
Vicente López Portaña · Public domain

Francisco Goya

Spanish painter and printmaker who is considered one of the most important artists of the Romantic era. He created a series of etchings called "The Disasters of War" that depicted the horrors of the Napoleonic Wars.
Francisco Goya in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous horror artist
9

7
votes
Durand-Ruel · Public domain

Mary Cassatt

American painter and printmaker who is known for her intimate portraits of women and children. She created a series of etchings that explored themes of motherhood, femininity, and domestic life.
Mary Cassatt in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous female artist
10

2
votes

Hiroshige

Japanese artist and printmaker who is known for his series of landscape prints called "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido." His work greatly influenced the development of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in Europe.

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Ranking factors for famous printmaker

Historical significance

Consider the impact the printmaker had on the art world during their time. Did they introduce new techniques or styles? Did they influence or inspire other artists?
Body of work

Assess the quality, quantity, and diversity of the printmaker's portfolio. Look for innovation, technical skill, and artistic vision.
Recognition and awards

Consider the awards, honors, and accolades the printmaker has received throughout their career. Recognition from peers, art institutions, and the general public can highlight their influence and esteem.
Influence and legacy

Examine the lasting impact the printmaker had on subsequent generations of artists. Did they inspire new movements, change the course of printmaking, or leave a significant mark on art history?
Exhibition history

Take into account the printmaker's exhibition record, both during their lifetime and posthumously. Participation in prestigious exhibitions and inclusion in important collections can demonstrate their significance.
Sales and market value

While this factor may not necessarily determine artistic merit, it can indicate the demand and popularity of the printmaker's work in the art market.
Critical reception

Evaluate the response of art critics and experts to the printmaker's work. Look for reviews, articles, and writings that analyze their contributions and assess their artistic prowess.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous printmaker. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Printmaker is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1595 views
152 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Printmaker once every 24 hours. The rank of each Printmaker is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous printmaker

Printmaking is a fascinating art form that has been around for centuries. It involves the creation of prints by transferring ink from a matrix or plate onto paper or another medium. Over the years, numerous printmakers have gained fame and recognition for their exceptional work in this field. From the intricate etchings of Rembrandt to the bold, graphic prints of Andy Warhol, printmaking has produced some of the most iconic and influential artworks in history. But who is the most famous printmaker of all time? This is the question that we sought to answer through our StrawPoll survey. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of printmaking and explore the lives and works of some of the most celebrated printmakers in history.