The earliest antique prints were engravings
Antique engraved prints have become one of the most popular antiques to collect. They are easily stored, can decorate walls and are good value
- Antique print
- Engraving of ancient Rome
- Pietro Santi Bartoli, 1693ad
Antique prints were made from engraved, etched or lithographed printing plates. These handmade plates were made of wood or metal. Each print made from the plate is considered to be an original work of art. Shown above is a 300 year old engraving of ancient Rome by Bartoli:
Antique engraved prints have become one of the most popular antiques to collect. They are easily stored, can decorate walls and are good value, certainly much better value than a modern reproduction. A modern reproduction will have virtually no resale value, whereas an antique engraving should increase in value.
Engraving is the oldest way of making an antique print. Engraving was used to make antique prints in Europe, China and Japan. These pages discuss and illustrate each of these styles: