University Print Collection

The Print Collection is located in Founders Hall 102. Due to current staffing, appointments are encouraged to view the collection in person. On occasion, walk-in requests can be accommodated. You can schedule a visit by contacting University Galleries staff at galleries@sandiego.edu or (619) 260-7657.

Since its founding in 1999, USD’s print collection has served as a primary repository for prints from the fifteenth century through the present day. Located in the Hoehn Print Study Room, the print collection strives to represent the history of printmaking as well as its presence in contemporary artistic practice. Long misunderstood as a secondary art form, printmaking is featured at USD as an independent artistic medium in its own right, worthy of celebration and supported by a dedicated exhibition program.

The gift of Francisco Goya’s Disasters of War in 1999 was the catalyst for the print collection’s formation, generously donated by Karen and Robert Hoehn. The Disasters of War were soon joined by another series of ambitious prints, Georges Rouault’s Miserere, also given to the collection by Karen and Robert Hoehn. From this auspicious start, the print collection has grown to over 3,000 objects representing the history of graphic work from old master engravings to contemporary screenprints.

Gifts of all kinds continue to greatly enhance the collection with additions of prints aimed to filled gaps in the collection. An endowment established in 2013 by the Legler Benbough Foundation has provided students with an opportunity to propose and acquire prints for the collection, an activity that continues on an annual basis. Furthermore, the Print Society — a group of donors established in 2013 — raises funds to acquire works that support the mission of the University Galleries.

Looking ahead, the print collection aims to expand its role as a worthy reflection of the history and continued relevance of printmaking. Future acquisitions of prints in all media and time periods will help achieve this goal.