How Can I Tell an Original Painting From a Print or a Lithograph?
For centuries artists have found unique ways to produce original artwork, lithographs and prints. Lithography is the process of creating a template for artwork--normally using large flat stone-- to be reproduced in large volume, and has slowly been replaced with the advent of modern printing technology. Prints are simply a reproduction of an original work, normally by use of photographs or Mylar transfer. Distinguishing the difference between an original painting and a print or lithograph can be difficult to the untrained eye, but by learning to recognize a few telltale signs on the piece, you can easily notice the difference.
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Instructions
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Look at the painting closely and note if any paint texture is evident. A brushstroke will leave a thickness of paint on the canvas for oil and acrylic works, while a watercolor painting will leave an impression on the paper. Use a magnifying glass to see any evidence of texture. Texture will reveal that the painting is an original work.
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Use a magnifying glass to look closely at the painting's surface. Look for any obvious signs of printmaking, such as parallel lines or a dot matrix. If these are visible, then you have a print, made on a ink-jet or laser printer. At a distance the color will seem to flow, but up close you can see the evidence of printing.
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Look on the back of the painting and locate any labels that would indicate if the painting is a lithograph, print series or edition. Often these labels are placed on the back of a painting during framing. Some labels are hidden under a brown paper wrap that is fixed to the back of the painting. Peel back the paper carefully, if this is the case, to locate the label.
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Look for any copyright symbols or evidence of print series. Many times, if the work is an original print or print series, the artist will have a signature and a number, such as 2/30. This will indicate that the work is the second original print or lithograph in a series of 30.
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Note what the work is made of. Many times prints and lithographs are made on hard stock paper, or cardboard, and these are definitely not original paintings.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact the artist if a number or website is available for the piece. He or she will be able to tell you exactly what you have, and possibly how much it is worth.
References
- Photo Credit painting image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I have a maude eggmeyer piece that I cannot tell if it is a print, it has texture to the work itself but the signature appears to have made no indentation on the paper. also it does not have a number or anything telling such as that. Can you help me?
