Mauricio Leib Lasansky (1914-2012): The Architect of American Printmaking
Mauricio Leib Lasansky (October 12, 1914 – April 2, 2012) was an Argentine-American graphic artist and printmaker whose unwavering dedication to the medium cemented his place as one of the “Fathers of 20th Century American Printmaking.” Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the son of Eastern European Jewish parents—his Lithuanian father having established a printing career in North America—Lasansky’s formative years instilled within him an appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic exploration. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional talent, earning honorable mentions and prizes at the Mutulidad Fine Arts Exhibition with sculptures showcasing remarkable precision.
- Early Education & Influences: Lasansky's formal training began at the Superior School of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires where he honed his skills alongside fellow artists. Literary giants like Dostoyevsky, Lorca and Cervantes profoundly impacted his worldview, shaping his artistic sensibilities. Notably, he drew inspiration from paintings by Goya, El Greco, Modigliani, and Picasso—artists who championed innovative techniques and challenged conventional aesthetics—establishing a foundation for his own distinctive style.
- The Guggenheim Fellowships & Artistic Transformation: Lasansky’s trajectory took an extraordinary turn in 1943 when he was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, propelling him to New York City and initiating a period of intense artistic experimentation. Recognizing the limitations of Argentine printmaking traditions, he embarked on a pilgrimage to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, immersing himself in the vast collection of prints—over 100,000 pieces—to absorb knowledge from masters past.
- Intaglio Printmaking & The Nazi Drawings: Lasansky’s mastery of intaglio printmaking is evident in his monumental work, “Emiliano Zapata and Diego Bolivar, Our Grandchildren,” a breathtaking achievement that exemplifies his unparalleled technique. Intaglio printing—dating back to the late 18th century—employs etching processes to create tonal areas rather than lines, demanding meticulous precision and artistic vision. However, Lasansky’s most enduring legacy resides in “The Nazi Drawings,” a series of 33 pencil drawings created between 1965 and 1967. These powerful images serve as searing indictments of Nazi atrocities—a testament to Lasansky's unwavering moral conviction and his commitment to confronting uncomfortable truths.
- Establishing Printmaking at Iowa University & Recognition: Recognizing the need for formalized training in printmaking, Lasansky founded the School of Printmaking at the University of Iowa in 1954, establishing it as the first Master of Fine Arts program dedicated solely to this discipline in the United States. His influence extended far beyond academia; Sotheby’s hailed him as “one of the fathers of modern printmaking,” acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping artistic discourse and elevating printmaking's status within the broader art world.
Lasansky continued to teach at Iowa until his retirement in 1984, fostering generations of artists who embraced innovation and pursued excellence. He was honored with numerous awards recognizing his contributions to art education and artistic production—including the Dickinson College Arts Award and the Virgil M. Hancher Distinguished Professor Emeritus Award—solidifying his reputation as a visionary artist and educator whose legacy continues to inspire.
His enduring impact on American printmaking is undeniable, securing his place among the most influential figures of the 20th century.
