Question 1

What is etching?

Accepted Answer

Etching is a method of making prints using metal plates onto which a design has been incised by acid.

Question 2

What is a Picasso etching?

Accepted Answer

An etching is created by cutting down a metal plate with chemicals, including acid, to achieve the desired image. The metal plate is then inked and pressed onto a piece of paper. Picasso became fascinated with etchings when he moved to Paris in the early 1900s, and would go on to pioneer new techniques with etchings throughout his career. Shop a selection of Pablo Picasso pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What are the types of etching?

Accepted Answer

There is dry and wet etching.

Question 4

How do you identify an etching?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is etched glass?

Accepted Answer

Etched glass is a type of decorative glass which is the result of small cuts made to the glass. The cuts, which appear white, typically form patterns or images.

Question 6

What is vintage etching?

Accepted Answer

Vintage etching is a term that refers to a specific type of print produced between 50 and 100 years ago. Printmakers produced etchings by carving images into a copper plate and then soaking it in an acid bath. Then, they applied ink to the plate and pressed it against paper or another material to create an image. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage etchings.

Question 7

What is an original etching?

Accepted Answer

An original etching is a print produced during the first production run of a print series. After making an etching plate, an artist will create a limited number of etchings. Collectively, these prints are the original etchings. They differ from restrike etchings made years later, sometimes after the death of the artist. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of etchings.

Question 8

How can you tell a lithograph from an etching?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Did Picasso make etchings?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Can I etch the back of a mirror?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the difference between an etching and a print?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How can you tell if an etching is valuable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What is the difference between etching and aquatint?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What is the difference between a lithograph and an etching?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Why are Rembrandt's etchings so important?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How can you tell if an etching is original?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Are original etchings worth anything?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What is the difference between a dining set and a dinette set?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a dining set and a dinette set is size. A dinette set usually consists of a small dining table plus two to four chairs. On the other hand, dining sets usually have larger tables with six or eight chairs. With some brands, dinette sets are more casual than dining sets. However, other brands offer both casual and formal dinettes and dining sets. Explore a diverse assortment of dining room furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is a wedding set?

Accepted Answer

A wedding set is a set of three rings, namely an engagement ring and a pair of matching wedding bands for the betrothed. In some cases, the groom's ring is excluded and it’s called a bridal set. Shop a collection of vintage and modern wedding ring sets from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a dinette set?

Accepted Answer

A dinette set is a smaller dining table with matching seating for a smaller space or smaller kitchen. They are less formal than dining table sets. They are usually used in kitchens as eat-in tables. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage dinette sets.

Set Of Etchings

20th Century Minimalist Abstract Prints

Vintage 1960s French French Provincial Maps

1820s Figurative Prints

1820s Figurative Prints

Antique 1770s Italian Neoclassical Drawings

Late 18th Century Modern More Prints

Vintage 1920s Italian Other Paintings

18th Century Animal Drawings and Watercolors

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Prints

1990s Abstract Abstract Prints

1960s Surrealist Animal Prints

2010s Contemporary Abstract Prints

Late 20th Century Minimalist Prints

1910s Modern Figurative Prints

20th Century English Prints

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Photography

Vintage 1930s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

1920s Modern Landscape Prints

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Wall-mounted Sculptures

Antique 18th Century Dutch Baroque Prints

Late 19th Century Realist Landscape Prints

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Prints

Antique Early 19th Century French Egyptian Prints

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Drawings

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

1890s American Realist Landscape Prints

1970s Prints and Multiples

Antique 19th Century Prints

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Prints and Multiples

Late 19th Century Realist Interior Prints

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

1990s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Vintage 1950s French Antiquities

Antique 1880s American American Classical Prints

Antique 19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Decorative Art

Vintage 1980s American Modern Prints

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Prints

2010s Abstract Abstract Prints

2010s Abstract Abstract Prints

2010s Abstract Abstract Prints

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Prints

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Neoclassical Prints

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Grand Tour Prints

Early 20th Century British Grand Tour Prints

1980s Abstract Abstract Prints

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

1920s Art Deco Figurative Prints

1920s Impressionist Figurative Prints

1970s Landscape Prints

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

17th Century Old Masters Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

1970s Prints and Multiples

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Set Of Etchings For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much are Set Of Etchings?

More Ways To Browse