Identification
Basics for Audubon Prints
Audubon
prints from Birds of America are in the public domain, meaning
they are not subject to copyright restrictions.
As a result,
they have been reproduced countless times for nearly everything
one could imagine: from coffee mugs and calendars to higher
quality reproductions. Although the images are nonetheless
enjoyable to look at, most of these images do not hold any
value beyond the enjoyment of the admirer.
There
are, however, five categories of valuable Audubon prints as
listed below:
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Created |
1827-1838 |
1840-1844 |
1860 |
1972 |
1843-1848 |
Paper
dimensions |
39.5"
x 26.5" |
10.75"
x 6.5" |
27"
x 40" |
39.5"
x 26.5" |
22"
x 28" |
Watermark? |
yes |
no |
no |
yes |
no |
Printing
technique |
engraving |
lithography |
chromolithograph |
offset
lithography |
lithography |
Experts
use a few methods to determine if a print belongs to one of
the above groups including printing technique & the characteristics
of the paper. Knowledge of printing techniques can be nearly
enough for some sharp eyed professsionals. However, often
it is the paper that yields the answer, especially
for the novice.
Watermarks
and paper size are important when identifying an original.
Many times, though, the print has been trimmed away and with
it the correct dimensions and the watermark. In these cases,
the value of the print is significantly reduced.
Measure
your print and compare the dimensions with the table above.
Then click on the link (on the left) to that edition for more
information.
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