1850s Etching

To identify an etching, look in the corners and on the back for an artist's signature or publisher information. Cross-referencing markings with information shared on trusted online resources can allow you to determine the artist. From there, you can browse online and print catalogues of their work to find out the title and date of the etching. In terms of how to tell an etching apart from other types of prints, one telltale sign is the appearance of slightly blurry lines along the edges. Called plate marks, these lines form from the pressure exerted by the plate during the etching process. You may need a magnifying glass to spot the plate mark on a print. If you have any difficulty with the identification process, consider enlisting the help of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. Shop a collection of etchings on 1stDibs.

The difference between etching and aquatint is technique. Invented in the 1500s, etching is a way of incising lines in a metal plate by first drawing on an acid-resistant coating, or ground, to reveal the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which “bites” the lines into the metal plate. The ground is then removed, and the plate is inked for pressing. Etched lines tend to reveal the movement of the artist’s hand more than a technique like engraving, since the image is created on softer ground. Aquatint, a technique named for its resemblance to watercolor or ink wash, is often combined with etching to create rich tonal variations. It’s a similar process to etching, but the resin ground is more granulated, so the acid handles the metal differently. Different degrees of darkness are created based on the amount of time the plate is in contact with the acid. Find a collection of etchings and aquatint prints on 1stDibs.

The difference between a lithograph and an etching is that while both are types of prints, they are made using different techniques. With respect to lithography, the image to be printed is drawn or painted on a stone or metal plate with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche (an oily wash). The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Afterward, the stone is covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press.

Etching is a way of incising lines in a metal plate by first drawing on an acid-resistant coating, or ground, to reveal the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which “bites” the lines into the metal plate. The ground is then removed and the plate is inked for pressing.

Find a collection of lithographs for sale on 1stDibs.

Rembrandt's etchings are important because of the influence they had on printmaking. The printing techniques that he employed allowed each of his prints to seem very unique while making it possible for him to mass produce his images. Printmakers that followed utilized the advancements he made in the field to create and distribute their own prints. Find a range of Rembrandt art on 1stDibs.

To tell if an etching is original, first gently run your hand along its surface. An original etching will usually have a slight indentation in the image area left behind by the pressure applied by the plate during the printing process. Next, grab a magnifying glass and view the image up close. On an original, you won't see small dots making up the picture, but many reproductions do display dots due to their printing methods. Finally, look at the signature. Most original etchings will be hand-signed. If the signature is printed on your piece, it may be a reproduction. Consult a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer for an expert opinion on your print. Find a wide variety of etchings on 1stDibs.

To tell if an etching is valuable, one approach is to conduct research using trusted online resources. The maker, age, image quality, historical significance and overall condition all play a role in determining the potential value of an etching. By seeing how much similar etchings have sold for in the past, you can get a rough idea of how much your piece may be worth. However, experts generally recommend having a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer evaluate prints for a more accurate valuation. Find a wide range of etchings on 1stDibs.

Yes, you can etch on the back of a mirror. Modern mirrors typically have a reflective layer that is deposited on the back of the glass. If you want to etch the back of a mirror you need to remove the reflective layer, which can be done with an engraving tool or with an etching solution. Shop a range of antique and modern mirrors on 1stDibs.

Yes, Pablo Picasso made etchings and took that foundation into an exploration of printmaking and the different methods of that medium. Picasso first began working on etchings in the early 1900s, quickly mastering the technique, and then he began expanding and pushing the boundaries to create a unique and signature style. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

The difference between an etching and a print depends on how specific the terms are. Print is a general term for any type of artwork made by transferring an image onto another material, such as paper or fabric. A specific printmaking technique, etching is a way of incising lines in a metal plate by first drawing on an acid-resistant coating, or ground, to reveal the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which “bites” the lines into the metal plate. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of etchings and other prints.

To tell a lithograph from an etching, look closely along the edges of the print. Etching is a way of incising lines on a metal plate by first drawing on an acid-resistant coating, or ground, to reveal the metal beneath. Lithography uses a stone rather than a plate. As a result, etchings will usually have a faint imprint or indentation called a plate mark, while a lithograph will not. Researching the artist using trusted online resources may also be helpful, as some printmakers worked exclusively with etchings or lithographs. Find a large selection of lithographs and etchings on 1stDibs.

Yes, some original etchings are worth something. Original signed prints by Old Masters like Rembrandt and Albrecht Dürer are particularly valuable, as are those made by modern artists such as Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, Martin Lewis and David Hockney. Generally, the artist, age, historical significance, image quality and overall conditions of etchings all contribute to their value. To learn how much your etching may be worth, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. Explore a large collection of etchings on 1stDibs.