This exhibition is no longer on view at the National Gallery.

Featuring 28 volumes from the Library’s collection of rare books, this exhibition traced the history of adding color to printed books. From 15th-century incunabula with illuminated letters in the tradition of manuscripts to woodcuts and engravings colored by hand, to color printing techniques like chromolithography that emerged in the 19th century, the coloring of books and their illustrations evolved alongside printing technology.

Organization: The exhibition was organized by the National Gallery of Art. Yuri Long, circulation technician, was curator.

Passes: Admission is always free and passes are not required