How to Tell if a Tin Lithograph Is Fake?

Lithograph prints can be authenticated.

Lithographs are authentic reproductions of artists' paintings. A reproduction of the painting is created by the artist on a hard surface, often tin, metal or stone. In the case of a tin lithograph, several copies of the tin will be created. Each tin will be applied to the paper with a different color until the desired result is achieved. Tin lithographs can retain value, as they are produced in limited quantities. Lithographs should not be confused with mass-produced prints. There are several points to examine to determine the authenticity of a tin lithograph print.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass.

Instructions

1. Examine the lithograph for an artist signature. Real tin lithographs produced a limited amount of images, each of which was hand-signed by the artist. A signature will usually be found in one of the lower corners of the piece.

2. Look for a production number marked somewhere on the lithograph. As real lithographs are produced in limited quantities, the production number is always noted. This notation will appear in the form of a fraction, providing the total number of lithographs produced and what number this particular piece was. For example, a lithograph produced as one of 200 may be numbered as 84/200, indicating it was the 84th lithograph in the series.

3. Feel the paper of the lithograph. A lithograph produced by tin will have texture from the press. The paper will not be smooth and flat but instead will retain imprints from the tin that can be recognized by feeling the backside of the print. Lithographs are made on heavy, fibrous paper, and this can be recognized by touch as well.

4. Gently feel the paint of the lithograph. In a lithograph, the paint sits on top of the paper in many layers. The paint from a tin lithograph should feel rough and textured, like an actual painting. Unlike a real tin lithograph, a print reproduction may feel flat and smooth.

5. Examine the lithograph with a magnifying glass. Under close inspection, colors will be seen as a combination of very small dots. This is due to the texture of the tin. What appears to be a single color with the naked eye will actually be the layering of several colors, from several different pressings of the tin.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care with the handling of the lithograph. If you are touching the lithograph to check for authenticity, do so carefully and lightly. If you are still unsure as to the authenticity of the lithograph after examination, consult an art expert.

References

• Baxley Stamps: Lithograph general characteristics
• Cycleback: Judging the Authenticity of Prints by The Masters