Final answer:
Famous lithographers like Currier and Ives are often reprinted on Christmas cards, following a long history of artists using prints to supplement their income. Albrecht Dürer and engravings from European artists like Anthony van Dyck stand as historical examples. Today, artists continue to produce limited-edition prints in facilities such as Santa Fe Editions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several famous lithographers have seen their work reprinted on Christmas cards over the years. Currier and Ives are particularly well-known for their winter scenes, such as A Brush for the Lead, which captures the essence of a winter's race and demonstrates the lithography medium's close resemblance to drawing or painting. This method of printmaking has been revered for its ability to replicate a full range of shading and intricate details.
The tradition of artists generating income through prints extends back to figures like Albrecht Dürer, who turned to printmaking as a means of earning beyond the sale of a singular painting. Historical precedent also shows the influence of prints on painting, such as how the engravings or etchings from European artists influenced early American painters, evident in the precision and detail found in Elizabeth Beardsley's dress, modeled after the linear qualities seen in prints by artists like Anthony van Dyck.
In the context of contemporary artists, Santa Fe Editions is mentioned as a notable printmaking facility where artists such as Caio Fonseca, Robert Kelly, and Ricardo Mazal collaborate with master printmakers to produce original limited-edition prints, signed and numbered by the artists themselves. This is indicative of the continuous evolution and popularity of the medium among collectors and enthusiasts.