John Skippe
John Skippe was an English gentleman who lived in Italy during the 1770s. While many of his peers on the Grand Tour collected antiquities, Skippe studied the techniques of the Renaissance masters. He spent his time in Venice and Rome making copies of drawings by artists such as Parmigianino. This interest led him to revive the chiaroscuro woodcut, a printing method that had been mostly forgotten for two centuries.
Biography
Skippe created his prints by using several wood blocks to build layers of tone. This method allowed him to replicate the ink washes found in original drawings. His work is defined by strong contrasts and clear forms. By using a palette of ochre and grey, he gave pieces like the Persian Sibyl a distinct sculptural quality. He often printed small editions for his friends, as seen in his Amicis Suis dedication pages.
Collectors today appreciate Skippe for his graphic style and clean compositions. His woodcuts offer a bridge between classical subjects and a modern aesthetic. These woodcuts provide a way to display the influence of the Old Masters in a contemporary home. The use of muted tones makes his work easy to pair with various interior styles.
Notable Works
Tap to view larger.
Next stop
Browse the movements →
Every movement in the collection, from the Renaissance to Pop art.
Related Artists
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John Skippe born?
John Skippe was born in 1741 and died in 1812.What is John Skippe known for?
John Skippe is known for john Skippe was an 18th-century English artist who revived the Renaissance chiaroscuro woodcut technique to create striking tonal prints based on Old Master drawings.