How do you authenticate a lithograph?

A common way to tell if a print is a hand lithograph or an offset lithograph is to look at the print under magnification. Marks from a hand lithograph will show a random dot pattern created by the tooth of the surface drawn on. Inks may lay directly on top of others and it will have a very rich look.

Are lithographs signed and numbered?

Most modern lithographs are signed and numbered to establish an edition. An offset lithograph, also known as a limited edition print, is a reproduction by a mechanical process, in which the artist has in no way contributed to the process of making an original print: that is, he has not designed the plate.

How do you know if a drawing is original?

Check The Canvas Edge: Look around the canvas/paper edge if possible. Originals often have rougher edges, and prints tend to have straight line edges. Below are some examples of authentic paintings produced in oil & acrylics, and as you can see these canvas edges have some wear and rougher edges.

How can you tell an original from a print from a reproduction?

Both prints and reproductions are copies of some original image, but they are made in quite different ways. Prints are copies painstakingly made by the artist, one at a time; reproductions are copies made mechanically, usually quickly and in large numbers, without involving the artist.

How can you tell if a lithograph is valuable?

The value or price of a lithograph depends on the quality of the art work, the quality of the paper and how successfully the print was made. The reputation of the artist who produced the print sometimes has a bearing on the price and so does the reason the print was made.

How can you tell the difference between a print and a lithograph?

Lithograph vs Print The difference between lithograph and print is that lithography is the original artwork of an artist, which is done by oil and water, whereas print is a duplicate copy of documents done by machines.

How can you tell if a print is an antique?

Look for indications of hand printing such as the impression from the printing press or ink smudges, signs of age, the quality and texture of the paper. Hold them up to a strong light and look for a watermark in the paper, the kind you find in quality stationary. Run your (clean) hand across to feel what’s there.