Original Etching Tiger

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.

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.

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.