Release Date: November 20, 2001

National Gallery of Art Publishes its First Online Catalogue Raisonné

Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art has published its first online catalogue raisonné at www.nga.gov/gemini/home.htm in conjunction with the current exhibition Best Impressions: 35 Years of Prints and Sculpture from Gemini G.E.L. In addition to a searchable database of more than 1,900 images and in-depth entries, the site also includes a guide for understanding the fields used within the database, an essay on the history of Gemini art and artists, and a glossary of print and sculpture terms and techniques.

Since 1981 the National Gallery of Art has been home to the archive collection of Gemini G.E.L. (Graphic Editions Limited), one of America's most important printmaking workshops. The archive is intended to include one edition each of the 1,900 prints and sculptures published by Gemini G.E.L. over the last 35 years. The online catalogue presents the works created from 1966, the year Gemini was established, through 1996. Because numerous works have been published by this thriving workshop since 1996, the catalogue is a work in progress, with more installments forthcoming.

"As the National Gallery of Art has grown, so have the opportunities to present our collection and research to a broader audience through new technologies that grow more efficient and sophisticated every day," said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art.

As of mid-2001, the National Gallery's highly acclaimed Web site serves more than 25,000 visitors a day, bringing the celebrated treasures of the museum into millions of homes, offices, and schools each year.

The exhibition highlights approximately 50 of the finest prints and works of edition sculpture produced by 50 of the foremost contemporary artists who have collaborated with Gemini's master printers and artisans over the last 35 years. It is on view in the East Building from November 4, 2001 through January 21, 2002.