Chalcographie du Louvre

Founded during the Revolution, this under-the-radar bastion of savoir-faire oversees a world-class collection of 14,000 engraved copperplates – spanning 17th-century rarities but also contemporary-artist commissions. At its Saint-Denis-based workshop, intaglio printmakers revisit the mighty horde to produce superb engravings on the historic presses for sale to the public. Printing from old plates requires rare expertise and dexterity. For over twenty years, the Chalcographie du Louvre has been working with a host of contemporary artists to expand a collection of modern art masters. The prints that result from these collaborations go on to be printed as many times as the matrix allows, with no limitations on reproduction or signature. This principle, which runs contrary to the practices of the contemporary art market, perpetuates the tradition of dissemination unique to the Chalcographie du Louvre. It allows prints created by internationally renowned artists to be sold at affordable prices. (The workshop is closed to the public.)