How can you tell an etching is authentic?

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If I post an entry every Monday to Friday, I’ve got to come up with over 250 posts per year, so I need ideas.  Please suggest some to me. This one comes from my daughter, Nicole. She asked me to answer questions that are commonly asked of me at shows. I was asked this question on Sunday at the Redondo Beach Antiques Fair. “How can you tell an etching is authentic?”

Louis Icart pulling a proof of Joy of Life from the etching press

Louis Icart pulling a proof of Joy of Life from the etching press

First you have to understand the process of producing an etching. The artist does his work on a copper plate, so the “original” is a copper plate and that’s rarely ever for sale. To produce the image, first the plate is hand-inked. Then the paper is laid down on top and the two pass together through the etching press, under tremendous pressure. The pressure transfers the image to the paper. Since the copper plate has thickness, it “dents” the paper around the edge of the image. This “dent” is called a plate impression. You can see it and feel it around the edge of the plate. So #1. A real etching has a plate impression.

Since the process is not photographic and there is no printing press, there are no dots in the image. If you use a magnifying glass to look at a photograph in a newspaper, you can see the entire image is made up of dots. Use a magnifying glass with an original etching and there are no dots. So #2. An authentic etching does not have any dots in the image.

After the edition is printed by the master printer, it is given back to the artist to hand-sign each one. Prints or other fakes have copies of the signature. So #3. Authentic etchings are hand-signed by the artist, usually in pencil.

In the case of Louis Icart, a raised seal called a blindstamp, was created in mid-1926, and is usually found in the lower left corner, just below the image. Most Icart images produced after this time have the blindstamp, but don’t use this information as a crutch. There are some fake etchings that have fake blindstamps. And conversely, there are many authentic Icart etchings that do not have a blindstamp. Supposedly the etchings without blindstamps were not for export from France, but personally I’ve found too many instances where this rule doesn’t seem to follow.

If you like my blog, please recommend it to others. Email me with your comments and suggestions. philchasen@gmail.com

260 thoughts on “How can you tell an etching is authentic?”

  1. Almost all original Louis Icart etchings have copyright information on the etching. The blindstamp would be in the lower left and should be visible if the matting is ¾” – 1″ away from the image. Numbering never exceeds 500, so perhaps you’re not reading the number correctly.

  2. I have some (if possible) etchings on silk. Is that something that has been done? They are all signed on the covering and are my fathers-fathers. one of them is of the Titus arch.

  3. Sorry, but I’m completely unfamiliar with etchings on silk. Doesn’t sound right to me.

  4. Thanks so much for the fast reply!! I have found another stash of Alec Stern etchings as well. Although the silk ones are much older and I cannot make out the artist.

  5. I have an original Edgar Chahine etching “Nina”, while I do not question that it is real instead of being numbered to the right of his signature, there are two words I can’t read, also on the back of the frame on the paper backing there is a gift tag also signed by Edgar Chahine gifting this etching to someone on 12/25/1929. I would like to find the value of it, and also know why it isn’t numbered like all the others I have seen at auction. I have had this etching in my possession for about 25 years and until today had no clue who the artist was, I would be happy to email you pictures if you would like.

  6. Margie, I have no idea about this artist. I’m an expert in the works of Louis Icart, not other artists who produced etchings. Sorry, but I can’t be of any help. Best of luck. Philip

  7. Mr. Chase:
    Your comments and knowledge on “etchings’ were very helpful.
    Thank you so much.
    Lynda

  9. I love this informational page and have bookmarked you for the future. I have two original Icarts. Will have to take a look at them and see if I have any questions. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  10. Joanne, thanks for your kind remarks. My fee is $125 for the first object and $75 for each additional for any appraisals/authentications. Let me know if you wish to continue. Best. Philip

  11. What exactly is an artist’s proof…..is there only one of these per design….and are they more valuable than the prints that follow? Thanks!

  12. Supposedly an artist’s proof is one of the first etchings produced from the plate, which the artist was supposed to approve for the final printing. In my experience, it hasn’t been the case. It’s just been a way for the artist to produce more than the intended number of etchings from a plate that is supposed to have a limited edition. Sometimes the artist’s proof designation wasn’t even put there by the artist, but probably the store that sold the etching to make it appear more unique and valuable. I give very little importance to the designation.

  13. Thank you so much! my husband just found a lovely high quality print of “The Prisoner” from The Chronicles of Woman series. It is signed by LI in pencil and says “1er ‘etat” to the left. I guess it does look slightly darker, so perhaps you’re right. it is is lovely though. it is hand tinted in places. Thanks again.

  14. This is a reply to Margie, who asked after a work by Chahine.

    This is a well known work of his. It was done during his honeymoon in Venice in 1922 and printed the following year.

    All of the forty works from the Venice series were numbered in editions of 100, While some of Chahine’s unnumbered works are as such because they were sold after his death (he numbered and signed them as he sold them), all of the Venice works sold out. Hence, in this case, the work is an artist’s proof. The number of these would range from nil to as many as twenty.

    Chris

  16. I have a signed and copyright stamped etching by Axel H Haig that I have not been able to identify by any source. If I send photos could you possibly identify this. It measures 29 x 23.5. I will be happy to send photos.

  17. I have a signed and copyright stamped etching by Axel H Haig that I have not been able to identify by any source. If I send photos could you possibly identify this. It measures 29 x 23.5. I will be happy to send photos.

  19. I have a etching by James S King copyright 1887 Peasant in the field. People say King never did this etching. The etching is signed by James S King in pencil.

  20. I am an expert in the works of Louis Icart, not other artists. I have no knowledge of James S King.

  21. I have an etching that I first thought was Japanese but at second look its a battle scene with angels demons would like to send. A pic to see if you recognize it

  23. I think I have Louis Icart Gust of Wind etching signed, original. I have taken pictures. Tell me what I need to do to have someone tell me it is fake or real and how much? Thank You Carol

  24. Carol, my fee for appraisals/authentications is $125. Please let me know if you wish to proceed. Best. Philip

  25. Hi. I have recently ran across two etchings one being “HIGHFIELD CATHEDRAL.” I am not quite certain if it is authentic or not, however, it does have two stamps on the backside:
    1st stamp is round and placed as a stamp & seal (remains sealed) and reads “ORIGINAL HAND PRODUCED” (around outer edge almost completing a full circle) “OIL STAINLESS STEEL IN CORNWALL” (center-spaced one word on each line) “ENGLAND” (this rests at the bottom of the circle)

    2nd stamp is placed center bottom approx. 1.25″ from the bottom edge and reads:

    “CONNOISSEUR STEEL REPRODUCTIONS”
    “This picture should require little cleaning,
    “but metal polish may be used if desired”

    OMICWAYS LTD – BUDE – CORNWALL

  27. Philip,
    Good morning. I have a Louis Icart etching “Lady Blowing Bubbles” . It has the “copyright 1930 L. Icart ~PARIS~ in the upper right hand corner. I cannot find any stamp but it may be hidden by the matting. Trying to find out its original and if so- what it is worth.
    Thank you,
    Joe B

  28. Hi, I have an Icart etching, I believe to be real. In the upper left it says,
    Copyright 1925 by des Graveurs Modernes, 194 rue de Rivoli, Paris. Lower left, lightly in pencil, it says 220. Signed lower right, no blind stamp. Is it common for Icart etchings to have copyright info, or does this sound as fake as can be? Thanks!

  29. I have an etching signed in plate by Louis Icart titled Le Jardin Japonaise, it has plate indentations and some age to it. I believe it was made for the French magazine L’illustration in 1932, and is fairly common. Would the print made for this magazine be an original etching, or a mechanically produced reproduction?

    Thanks for the info above, it’s very clear and helpful.

  30. Dear Philip Chasen, I have an Etching which is mounted behind a cardboard surround. It has the Name May Gilkes ( I think thats the name as not that clear ) It is scrathed on the Etching at bottom right corner. It is also Signed with that name in pencil just below the etching , right bottom corner.
    The Etching is titled in Pencil at bottom left immediately below the etching.
    Title says “Oxford Castle and Mill”.
    Can you tell me if you have heard of this artist & if you think the Etching may be an original. If you have any relavent history re. this artist that would be interesting to hear .
    I look forward to your reply with interest. I trust your reply will be by E-Mail.
    Kind Regards Keith J Paice

  31. I have an apparently 15th or16th century etching with no signature but a small drawing of a man in a fancy hat drinking a glass of wine in the corner where it might have been signed . .Any Ideas ?

  32. I have a restrike etching by Haywood Hardy. “Pick of the Pack” I was wondering what it might be worth? Thank you for any information.

    Dianne Farmer

  33. Dear Mr. Chasen,

    Thank for explaining in plain language the basic etching process. If my etching has a plate impression, but no artist signature, would it be considered a fake? With colored etchings who signs the art work, the engraver or the painter?
    Thank you !
    Sincerely,
    Christina Gold

  34. I have a Claude Lorraine etching from the original drawing in the collection of Charles Lambert 1807. No; 57 can’t see a signature, but it has a press indent just out side the drawing. Cant see any dots either hope you have advice.

  35. Hello, I have an Icart of “Joy of life” in the top left hand corner is written in ink and a little smudgy copyright 1926 by l. Icart Paris. This is in print rather than long hand. Then, of course in the bottom right corner is signed by Icart. There is no numbers as if it were a limited edition. Could this be an authentic Icart? Thank You. Michele.

  36. Hello, I have a picture that is an engraving of Turners The Golden Bough, taken from the orginal picture in theVernon Gallery. Engraved by J.T Willmore ARA, Published by Henry Graves & Comp. Jan 1st 1856: Printsellers to the Queen… 6 Pall Mall. Could you tell me if it has any value and it has a damage in it could it be restored?

  37. I have Icarts “lovers” etching…it’s penciled signed and has an Artist Proof marking but no windmill stamp or copy right marks…any comments ?

  38. I have what appears to be an old French etching of a street scene. The artist’s name looks like Awy or Anry ?? Any idea of the artist?

  40. I have what appears to be an etching plate. There is a label on the back Clifford Art Studio New York. It may be a Clifford Addams but I cannot locate the same image elsewhere. Is this possible?

  41. I have what appears to be a print of an etching. How can I find out what value, if any, it has. The subject is: Areae majoris S Marci Prospectus ad Templum ejusdem. I’ve had it since 1975.

    June Lee

  42. I acquired an etching entitled “Birches and Beyond” signed in pencil by Luigi Lucioni 1973. There are no numbers on the lower left. However, on the back of the folded matte and written in pencil, it reads “Birches and Beyond” 1973 $35.00 original etching by Luigi Lucioni Limited Edition. I’m not exactly certain what I have, but as a collector of trees, especially Birch Trees, this is a beautiful piece. The paper is also raised from the process of paper coming in contact with the copper plate. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

  43. I purchased a framed picture of Love Blossom 15 years ago. At the top it has copyright 1937 by L. Icart SLY NY. Do you know anything about this print?
    Thank you so much.

  44. I came across 4 Jacques Barraband prints in a charity shop, that judging by the age of the frames and yellowing of the paper, must have been framed in at least the 1960.s. they have Barraband prinx in the left hand corner and De L:Imprimene de langlois at the bottom center. The name of the bird is provided in french but no reference number to a plate:
    Perruche omnicolore
    variete de la perruche a large queue
    le parroquek a calotte blue
    variete dulori a collier

    I may have misspelled them – they are away being re-framed as regardless of value they are lovely, if not a bit weathered!
    Please can you advise on their age as I can’t find vintage prints of the originals on the internet, if that what they are

  45. I own an etching by Jennie Brownscombe. The title is “loves young dream.”
    It is frames under glass. It’s very large, framed and under glass. I wondered about value. Can you help me? Thanks

  46. I have an etching done on March 1, 1802. The engraver is W.F.Wells and the etching is of a drawing done by Thomas Gainsborough. They are not signed in pencil by either of them but their signatures and date were put on the original metal plate so they are printed onto the paper along with the image. Gainsborough couldn’t have signed it since he died in 1788. So not all authentic engravings are signed in pencil. On the back it is written in pencil 1/6. So maybe its the first engraving of this picture.

  48. Hello. How far back does this technique go? Were etchings like this done in the 1800’s?
    Thank you!

  49. Did Icart do colored etchings named Spring and Summer? They are in oval mattings with pencil signed and labeled 178. A dry stamp on bottom of oval between the signature and number is visible but I cant figure what it is.

  50. Thank you for your explanation on the technique, very helpful.
    I have 2 drawings by William Maclean called: Silent Night and Snow Valley.
    According to your guidelines regarding the authenticity, #3: they’re both signed by the artist in pencil (on the bottom right) and has its name (bottom left) and #2: i see no dots as i looked through the magnifying glass. I can’t say about # 1 since they’re framed.
    Any advice on how much they’re worth or if they’re authentic?
    Thank you,
    Gabriela

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