Graphics Collection from the 2nd half of the 20th century to today

The graphics collection of the Latvian National Museum of Art is one of the largest and most varied collections – it includes more than 11000 artworks made in different graphic techniques and represents the different possibilities of expression, development trends, styles, and directions of this art genre from the post-war period until today.

After the 2nd World War, Latvian museums were reorganized, and that pertained also to the collection of graphics. The collection was regularly supplemented by the works of the artists of the time until it contained so many artworks that it was decided to "separate" these from the graphics of the previous period. A Soviet collection of graphics was established and regularly reorganized. Around 1989 it acquired the status of the contemporary graphic collection and was stored at the Exhibition Hall ARSENĀLS. 

The collection encompasses the period from the 2nd half of the 20th century until today. It is divided according to techniques – prints (gravure, letterpress, lithography), and original graphics (drawings, watercolors, pastels, posters, illustrations). A separate collection is allotted to bookmarks, and a collection of works made in photo techniques has started to form in the last few years. The collection includes also expatriate artists' works in different graphic techniques.