How can you tell an original Icart?

To tell if an Icart is an original, first examine the paper. The French artist's etchings were made on woven paper, so you can expect an original to have a textured surface and matte appearance. If the paper is smooth or glossy, it is likely contemporary, making the print a reproduction. Next, compare the details of the image to information about the etching that appears on trusted online resources or in a printed catalogue raisonné.

The size of the actual image that appears on your print should be within one-quarter inch of the dimensions stated in an online or printed catalog, and the copyright and publisher's information should match. Margin size can also help you identify Icart prints. On originals, the margin around the image is typically around three inches in width. Narrow margins may indicate a later reproduction. Because there are many convincing copies, you may wish to have a knowledgeable art dealer or certified appraiser authenticate your piece.

On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Louis Icart prints.