Hi Frank,
Taschen this year released a set of two volumes of Rembrandt, one of his complete paintings, the other of his complete engravings and drawings in what the publishers term their XXL size (approximately 12 by16 inches each). Some of the works are on matte paper, others smooth. I also own Bosch, Bruegel, Caravaggio, Velazquez, Vermeer, da Vinci and Michelangelo in the same series. Of course reproduction color quality can only really be judged by comparing them directly to the works themselves but I am impressed by this series, especially the Rembrandts. Since I can't afford to buy the paintings themselves, I have ordered custom prints directly from the museums that own the individual works of art that I particularly favor to eventually frame in my home. For instance, I have from the Prado, Bosch's Seven Deadly Sins (La Mesa) and have on order a few more of other artists from other museums (including two Rembrandts although I couldn't get Abraham's Sacrifice from the Hermitage because it is currently "out of stock", whatever that means). The whole process is very satisfying. As I was spending a couple of days with Velazquez recently, I began to notice the similarities with certain poses and expressions of people I come across in my everyday life. In my dotage, I imagine I will be looking at these books frequently and with great pleasure. There may be better printed collections but these satisfy my tastes. Also, after a certain point, the books could become unwieldy and I would need a Sherpa to help me get them off the shelf and set them up for viewing.
