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What is a Giclee Print and How Does it Fit into the Art World? Buyers Beware!

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Giclee art, giclee prints and giclee paintings are all the rage these days. They are, however, not always adequately represented. We will give you greater insight in this article about the intricacies of an industry that has begun to often mislead the public.

First what does giclee mean? Giclee is a modern printing technique that is used almost exclusively in creating a facsimile, a reproduction. The word “giclee” is from the French word for spittle, as the printer spits in a spraying fashion the colors being reproduced onto paper or canvas. It is not a very pretty word in French as it also refers to ejaculation and is therefore not very popular in France in trying to sell one’s art as you can imagine.

The giclee printing technique uses a fancy printer which is not cheap making it mostly unavailable to the general public. The giclee image is generally of better quality than what you can obtain from your laser or inkjet printer. You may have seen giclee printing services at your local art store or online. These services will offer, on submission a high quality digital picture, the option to print that very image onto paper or canvas of varying sizes. You can order as many as you like and they will all look alike. The giglee printing company may enhance some colors for you and will keep your digital image on file for you to order more reproductions in the future. The set up cost is high enough to eliminate the general public and reserve the technique to artists, galleries, framing shops and small to large businesses. You do not just print one giclee as it would not make good business sense.

Giclees are offered throughout the art world today as real works of art and are often signed and numbered by the artist. Their appeal is in the perceived reasonable price and accessibility, they are nonetheless just copies costing very little in production. Philosophically art becomes art when the artist gives it life. If the artist wishes to distribute cheap versions of his or hers original work of art by using giclee then that is legitimate. There are more questionable circumstances though.

Giclee prints and giclee paintings are more and more often offered as the “real” thing. You will find them listed as “Original Giclee Painting” or “Original Giclee Art” which is very misleading. It has been our personal experience as dealers of original art that the public understand giclees to be original paintings or original art. Original art is unique in scope, it is not reproduced in any way and is not a knock-off of an original painting. Therefore Buyers Beware: when you buy a giclee you are just buying a fancy photocopy.

MapsandArt.com is your online art, map and print store in which you can:

LEARN about engravings, etchings and antique art in general by visiting the REFERENCE CENTER on our website COMPARE thousands of original works of art on paper by viewing products and zooming in with our magnifying tool. SHOP for original art, old maps and antique prints at our convenient ecommerce store.

We have thousands of antique prints, old maps and original art on paper for sale, visit our website at http://www.mapsandart.com.

What is the Difference between Antique and Vintage?

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Antiques are items that were manufactured over 100 years ago. Used items which are less than 100 years are considered vintage.

This very simple definition can create much controversy among antique dealers, collectors and even wine drinkers! There is only one official definition of antiques in the United-States from US Customs in the Smoot-Hawley act of 1930. It basically says that an antique must be over 100 years old to be called an antique. In Europe and indeed in many other countries around the world there are many more laws governing antiques which help to define the subject. The US lacks such a base and this explains why there are such a variety in quality of “Antique” stores and malls around the country.

An antique store in France (Antiquites) will have to be operated by a state approved professional that has undergone appropriate studies in art, history and valuation. Those that do not have this training sell in stores or fairs called “Brocantes” which must hold a “Livre de Police” or Police Book in which items that are bought and sold are listed to fight against theft. All others can sell at the “puces” or flea markets where no legal mention of authenticity can be maintained.

Such safeguards do not generally exist in the US so the market for antiques is a wild place where dealers can use the word antique to describe items from the 1940s or even sell reproductions under dubious terminology such as Antique Chest circa 1940s. Such terms help increase the value in the eye of the buyer but nonetheless it is only a used chest (unless it was made from a desired designer or manufacturer).

Using the word “Antique” can up the price on a very simple object. Keep this argument in mind, it will offer you more perspective on price and value.

Now vintage is even trickier as there is no institution such as the US customs to define it. Vintage is the term commonly used by people in the antique world to define objects that have some age and are as one says “of a particular vintage”. We would define a chest of drawers from the 1930s as being vintage.

Now wine drinkers are not very happy with the use of the word vintage for anything else than defining the age of wines. However common usage has applied the word to the world of antiques and collectibles for over a century now in the US. Quite respectable really.

MapsandArt.com is your online art, map and print store in which you can:

LEARN about engravings, etchings and antique art in general by visiting the INFO CENTER on our website COMPARE thousands of original works of art on paper by viewing products and zooming in with our magnifying tool. SHOP for original art, old maps and antique prints at our convenient ecommerce store.

We have thousands of antique prints, old maps and original art on paper for sale, visit our website at http://www.mapsandart.com.

Original Antique Copper Engraving The Golden Fleece 9186m

What Affects the Value of Art, Antique Prints and Old Maps?

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Supply and demand: Some subjects are more sought after than others and have become quite difficult to find, this drives up the price.  MapsandArt.com strives to offer a fair market price based on auction results, the price of our competitors and our professional opinion of the value of the piece of art.

Identity: Historical importance, age, famous artist, engraver or map-maker, size and display qualities, aesthetics and decorative qualities all affect the value of art.

Condition:  Art, prints or maps in good condition have more value than those that suffer from a bad backing in a frame, severe creases, large tears and major stains.  MAPSandART.com tries to always offer you works on paper that are in good condition.  Each piece of art has a description of its condition.

Color:  Either in black and white or in color it is important for the colors to be vibrant and not have faded from extended exposure to UV light.

Original or reproduction:  Reproductions are not worth a fraction of the original.  Always buy an original print, artwork on paper or old map.  Reproductions are sometimes more expensive to buy than an original, but are not really worth much.  Go for the original!

Original Antique Copper Engraving The Golden Fleece 9186m

Basics in Caring for Antique Prints

Posted on by Katia Baizan

This article will give you the easy basics in caring for antique prints. Antique prints, old maps and manuscripts were printed or written on paper. This paper was treated during its manufacture to hold inks and with-stand the pressure from a printing press. Old paper is organic and undergoes many transformations throughout the years. In order to preserve it there are things you can do. The following points are what you need to avoid doing when dealing with old paper.

1. Don’t expose your print to sunlight.
Paper is sensitive to UV light and it should not be exposed to it. The colors and inks used for writing and printing will fade over time if exposed to natural light. If you do have sunlight, protect your print or paper in a frame using UV protection glass that filters out 97% to 100% UV. You should also avoid exposing your print to fluorescent lights.

2. Don’t leave your print in a humid environment.
Once again as an organic material paper is sensitive to the elements. You should avoid exposing the paper to humid environments. Paper often contains unseen mold that will proliferate under humid conditions and deteriorate your print over time. Keep your prints somewhere dry, such as in a box on the top shelf of your closet in an air-conditioned house.

3. Don’t touch the paper with dirty hands.
This may seem obvious. However, even apparently clean hands contain oils that will be absorbed by the paper and will affect it over time. Buy some cotton gloves and use these when touching antique paper.

4. Use appropriate materials when framing.
When framing your antique print use acid-free materials. Cheap framing materials often contain harmful acids which will leach into the paper over time and destroy the integrity of the paper. For this reason it is best to use 100% cotton rag mat board and acid-free back board for your matting.

5. Avoid solvents, petroleum-based glues or tapes for repairs.
These products will damage your print irrevocably. It is best to avoid them and use natural products such as wheat paste glue. These were used hundreds of years ago and have proven to be very good. Remember that repairs of expensive prints should be left in the hands of professional restorers.

6. Be careful of which materials you use to store your prints.
Just as cheap framing material can damage a print over time, it is best to use proper conservation materials to preserve your print. For example do not wrap them in news print as this paper contains high levels of acid. Use plastic acetate bags from your art supply store or specialty folders with plastic sleeves to fit your prints into.

These guidelines should put you on the right track to correctly protect your old print, map or manuscript.

What is Round Top?

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Ever wondered, what is Round Top? It’s a town in Texas with a population of only 77 people between Austin and Houston, that is invaded twice a year by one of the largest antique fairs in the world! Here you will find a multitude of antique dealers from around the USA and some from abroad that offer any antique imaginable.

Antique dealers set up at various venues around this small town for 2 full weeks (and some even longer!). Each venue has different opening hours and some have entry fees. The main venues are Marburger Farms, the Big Red Barn, Blue Hills, Cole’s, and the Arbor Antique show. There are many many more to visit a good place to start your investigation is  antiqueweekend.com.  We have also posted several articles to help navigating Round Top easier on our blog.
Here is the hidden secret about shopping at Round Top: Blue Hills! This is a prime location.   Here you will find us with the largest selection of antique maps, original art and antique prints anywhere in Round Top. We are simply the most diversified and have the most extensive collection for sale of any of the other shows. Here is the location of BLUE HILLS on Google Maps.

 

Round Top Tips Fall 2015

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Round Top Time again!
Our Fall 2015 newsletter is out, and we have some great tips for preparing for Round Top.
Here’s a little sample:

5 Things to do before Round Top
Herve Baille - Place de la Concorde 1952
We can help you choose the perfect piece for your space, but it helps if you can do a bit a groundwork before coming to Round Top. Here are some ideas to get you going:
1. Walk around the house and think where you would like some artwork, or whether a wall needs updating.
2. Take pictures of the space so that you can see colors and shapes whilst in the booth.
3. Measure how much space you have to work with.
4. Bring frames, or pictures of frames, if you have a frame already picked out.
5. Bring house plans if you are building a house, or not yet moved in.
Have fun designing your home.
We hope to see you in our booth at Blue Hills at Round Top.  We are open 9am to 7pm (5pm on last day of show) Saturday September 19th to Saturday October 3rd 2015.

 

Watercolor of Place de la Concorde, Paris

Round Top Tips Spring 2015

Posted on by MAPSandART

5 Things to do before coming to Round Top, TX

Planning on coming to Round Top, TX to buy some artwork?  Here are some Round Top Tips Spring 2015.

We have thousands of antique maps, prints and original art for you to choose from, but it can be a bit daunting when you first come to our booth.  We can help you choose the perfect piece for your space, but it helps if you can do a bit of groundwork before coming to Round Top. That way you will use your valuable time more efficiently whilst you are at Round Top.

Here are some ideas to get you going:

1. Walk around the house and think where you would like some artwork, or whether a wall needs updating.
2. Take pictures of the space so that you can see colors and shapes whilst in the booth.
3. Measure how much space you have to work with.
4. Bring frames, or pictures of frames, if you have a frame already picked out.
5. Bring house plans if you are building a house, or not yet moved in.

Have fun designing your home.

Hope you found these Round Top Tips Spring 2015 helpful.

We hope to see you in our booth at Blue Hills at Round Top. We are open 9am to 7pm (5pm on last day of show) Saturday September 19th to Saturday October 3rd 2015.

When is Round Top? Fall 2015

Posted on by Katia Baizan

The Round Top, Texas antique shows take place in the spring and in the fall every year.  Many of the venues are spread out and have various dates, however most are open during what is called “Antique Week”.

This Fall 2015 “Antique Week” will be from the Saturday 19th September to the 3rd of October 2011.

Many shows are open starting as early as Saturday 19th September and everything is pretty much closed with dealers packing out Sunday 4th of October.

If you would like to shop for old maps, antique prints and the largest selection of its’ kind of original art you can come and shop with us at Blue Hills we will be open from Saturday 19 September to the 3rd of October inclusive.

Check out our own personal rating of the best Round Top antique shows at:

Top 10 Antiques Shows in Round Top, TX

Click here for directions to our location: BLUE HILLS
Visit our website at MAPSandART.com

What should I bring to Round Top, TX?

Posted on by Katia Baizan

When you are planning your first trip to Round Top, here are some things to consider before you pack your car.

What time of year is it?
The Spring show tends to be cooler, and can be pretty chilly – walking around in the rain with a cold wind and 45 degree temperatures will require a good warm coat, and maybe some hot chocolate to keep the spirits up.  On the other hand yesterday (March 26th) it was 90 degrees and we were all wishing that it was just a bit cooler.
The Fall show is always hot.  Wear comfortable and cool clothing.  Always bring a hat and wear sunscreen – there will be a lot of walking outside in the sun.
I come prepared for all weather, from 40 degrees and wind to 95 degrees with high humidity.  And bring several layers of clothing, it can be cool when you start your antiques shopping at 9am, but hot, hot, hot by 2pm.

Will it rain?
If you come for the full two weeks of Round Top Antiques Week then the answer is yes, it will rain.  If you are just coming out for the day, then probably not.  It can get muddy in these fields – rubber boots would be a good foot ware choice after a day or two of rain.

Are you looking to buy small items, or big pieces of furniture?
If you are looking for small antique items, then a cart with big wheels can be useful, as you can often find yourself quite a walk from your car when you find that perfect piece.  Most dealers will give you bubble wrap if you purchase something fragile, but why not come prepared, and keep some in the car, just in case?
Furniture is a whole different ball game.  If you have a big SUV or truck, it is amazing how much you can fit in the back and on the roof rack.  You might also consider renting a trailer (make sure that your vehicle is rated to carry a trailer and that you have the right hitch and electricity connections installed).  There are also several companies you will deliver furniture to you for a fee, such as:

Roll’N Hills Moving and Delivery, located at Marburger Farm Antique Show  Tel. 281.375.6771

If you are planning on having pieces shipped, call the shipping company as early as possible.  They get booked up by the end of the show.
Some dealers may also deliver if you are local, or on their route home.  Don’t forget that Antique Maps and Works on Paper will ship you any piece of art you buy from us.
What will I be doing in Round Top?
This may seem like an obvious question, but what you will be doing most is walking, so bring very comfortable shoes.  High heels do not work out here – most shows are in fields, there is very little smooth concrete.

What about the kids?
While everywhere is certainly child friendly, the heat, walking and shopping can easily get boring for young folks.  You will find it easier to shop if you can come without the kids.  Having said that, with some adaptions Round Top Antiques Week can be fun for the whole family.  Just maybe with fewer shopping hours than you might like.
What about dogs?
Dogs are welcome in most shows.  Remember to let them drink lots of water and to keep them on a leash.  Please clean up after your dog.
Will there be anything to eat?
There are lots of places to eat, but it is a good idea to bring some snacks to have in the car if you can’t find something to eat.  Cold drinks are also good to keep in a cooler.  Some people also bring stronger beverages to sip in the afternoons and evenings.

Will my cell phone work whilst I’m at Round Top?

Posted on by Katia Baizan

The quick answer is “Yes, most of the time”.
The longer answer is “It depends when and where you are”.
Verizon and AT&T are working well right now as I write this.  Problem day is always the Tuesday morning of Marburger.  Verizon caught on several years ago that there are a lot of people out here in Round Top, and did something so that for four weeks a year the thousands of people out shopping for antiques were able to make a phone call. Fingers crossed that this year AT&T has done a similar fix.
If you cannot get a call through, keep trying, or try sending a text message.  Often a text will get through while a voice call will not.  If the call can wait, try calling after about 5pm – don’t ask me why, but it seems easier to get calls through in the evening.

MAPSandART has a cell phone booster in their booth at Blue Hills at Round Top.  We are in Barn A.  Stop by if you are having trouble and we can try to get your call to go through!