Antique Prints vs. Originals: How to Tell the Difference
Tell an original artwork from a print: engraving, lithograph and offset printing explained, plate marks, paper, signatures and what each is worth.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Many "old paintings" turn out to be prints, and many prints are genuinely collectible works of art in their own right. Knowing which you have is essential for valuing it.
Original artworks
Paintings, drawings and watercolors made by hand directly. Under magnification, you'll see brushstrokes, pencil lines and natural variation.
Original prints (fine art prints)
Hand-made prints created by an artist or under their supervision:
- Woodcuts and woodblock prints
- Engravings and etchings: lines cut or etched into metal plates. Look for a plate mark — an indented rectangle around the image from the press.
- Lithographs: drawn on stone or plate; smoother tones
- Screenprints
These can be valuable, especially early impressions, signed and numbered editions, and works by known artists.
Photomechanical reproductions
Mass-produced copies made by photographic/offset printing:
- Dot pattern visible under magnification (often a regular rosette of colored dots)
- No plate mark
- Flat, uniform surface
These are generally decorative, with modest value.
Tests you can do
- Magnifier (10x): dots = offset reproduction; continuous lines or textures = hand-made or fine print.
- Tilt under light: texture of paint or embossed plate mark?
- Paper: old hand-made paper has irregular fibers; check edges and watermarks.
- Signature: pencil signatures on prints are typical of limited editions; printed signatures aren't.
- Edition numbers: e.g. "12/100" in pencil.
Beware "giclée" and enhanced reproductions
Modern inkjet reproductions can be high quality, sometimes with brushed texture added. Look closely at the surface.
Next steps
Scan the artwork with AntiqueIQ for a quick identification, era and estimated value range. For possible original works, see is my painting valuable. Also related: antique maps.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a picture is a print?
Use a magnifier: a regular dot pattern means a printed reproduction. Fine art prints show engraved lines or other hand-made textures.
Are antique prints worth anything?
Many are, especially original engravings, etchings and woodblock prints by known artists in good condition.
What is a plate mark?
An indented border around an image created by pressing a metal plate into the paper.