Creative Director Robert Ross Discusses His Passion for Collecting Historical Prints

Creative Director Robert Ross shares his journey into collecting historical prints, focusing on Northern European artists from the 14th to 16th centuries. Ross explains that while studying painting in college and afterward, he developed a deep appreciation for the technical aspects and themes of early Netherlandish and German art. Recognizing that acquiring significant paintings by masters like Jan van Eyck or Rogier van der Weyden was financially out of reach, he turned his attention to printmakers. He discovered that many artists, such as Albrecht Dürer and Martin Schongauer, were also skilled engravers, and he came to believe their printed works often surpassed their paintings in quality—a view he extends to comparisons with later artists like Francisco Goya and Pablo Picasso. Ross emphasizes that prints offer collectors the opportunity to own masterpieces at more accessible price points. His collecting activities have involved visits to print rooms across Europe and America, where he studies and acquires works. The discussion highlights how print collecting allows enthusiasts to engage with art history through more attainable means, blending personal artistic practice with scholarly interest.