WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THIS BEAUTIFUL PRINT?

From screen prints, serigraphs, lithographs, giclee prints, and etchings, to linoleum cuts or woodcuts, there are endless possibilities for prints. They are a way for someone to own and appreciate a fine work of art, usually at a price that is far less than the cost of the original. A print is any work of art in which a set of duplicates is created by one or more methods of transferring colors, lines and images from the original. If you own a print, or are interested in purchasing one, here are some guidelines to help you determine its value:

FRAMING

An attractive and appropriate frame can add value and visual appeal to a print. Usually a framed, matted and glazed, or glass covered print, will have more value than an unframed one.

CONDITION

Obviously a print in poor condition will be worth substantially less than one in pristine condition. Check for water stains and tears, especially along the margins and creases, if there are any. Check for foxing, a series of reddish brown stains, caused by oxidation of iron and other metal impurities in the paper, along with the presence of mold or fungi.

FADING

Often lower quality prints, particularly those from the late 19^th or early 20^th century, will fade to noticeable shades of pink and purple. If possible, compare your print to other examples of it, and try to notice the differences in the brightness of the colors, if any. That will help you determine how faded yours might be.

SIGNATURES

A print that bears the original signature of Pablo Picasso, Andrew Wyeth, Andy Warhol, or any of a large number of prominent artist, will have more value that one signed by an obscure or unknown artist.

LIMITED EDITIONS

A limited edition print is one made with a specific number of copies, such as 100, 300, 500, perhaps even as many as 5000. Usually such prints will be numbered in the lower margin, with number such as “149 / 300,” indicating that it is print number 149 of a series of 300. Often that is accompanied by the artist’s signature in the other corner, usually in ink or pencil. Sometime a print might be numbered alongside the initials “AP” or “EA.” These stand for “Artist’s Proof” or Epreuve d’artiste. This is an indication that the print was held back from publication by the artist or printer for their own personal use. Often these can be worth somewhat more than a print from the larger series.

APPRAISAL

All of the above hints can be very helpful. But the most important step to take to determine the value is to seek the help of a professional appraisal. That’s where Sisco Antiques Appraisals comes in. We can help you determine the value of your print with careful study and analysis. Just click on the link below to get started.

https://siscoantiquesappraisals.com/appraisal/