Art Deco Framed Prints
Art deco framed prints bring distinct period character to a room through original poster designs, etchings, and tinted photography.
Art Deco Framed Prints
When you search for art deco framed prints, you encounter wall art that captures the aesthetic of the early twentieth century. The pieces span lithographs, etchings, engravings, and photographic contact sheets housed in period frames.
The selection on this page leans heavily toward French works from the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties. You meet subjects ranging from railway posters and printed fabrics to nude studies and city views.
Makers and artists of the period produced graphic works that utilised flat colours and bold lines. These framed items served as commercial advertisements, decorative prints, and fine art editions.
How they were made
These works rely on traditional printmaking techniques including drypoint, aquatint, engraving, and lithography executed on paper. Some photographic prints received hand tinting or hand colouring using ink and watercolour.
The framing utilises timber materials such as oak and walnut, often complemented by gilt finishes or mirrored glass components. These frames protect delicate paper works and complete the visual presentation of the period style.
Art Deco Framed Prints Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco framed prints among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Julian Mandel captured the 1920s with photographic contact sheets of nude studies that still raise eyebrows today.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the execution of the print or photograph and the authenticity of the framing materials. Original drypoint etchings and signed artist proofs stand apart from standard commercial reproductions.
The condition of the paper surface and the preservation of hand colouring dictate the desirability of each piece. Intact period frames matching the era of the artwork add considerable integrity to the object.
Louis Icart·Julian Mandel·Jean Hardy·Kees van Dongen
The Art Deco Framed Prints Glossary
- Drypoint
- A printmaking technique where an image is scratched directly into a metal plate with a hard needle. This creates a rich, velvety line when inked and printed.
- Aquatint
- An intaglio printmaking method that produces tonal areas resembling watercolour washes. It is frequently combined with drypoint in period etchings.
- Lithography
- A planographic printing process based on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. It allowed artists to produce vibrant posters and prints in multiple colours.
- Contact sheet
- A photographic print made by placing negatives directly in contact with photographic paper. These sheets capture a series of sequential exposures from a single film roll.
- Gilt
- A thin layer of gold leaf or gold paint applied to wood or metal surfaces. It provides a reflective decorative border on period frames.
Art Deco Framed Prints: Frequently Asked Questions
Are these prints original?
The selection includes original period etchings, lithographs, gouache paintings, and vintage photographic prints from the early twentieth century. Each listing specifies the medium employed by the artist or photographer.
Buyers find works produced directly in the eras associated with the style, rather than modern reproductions. Checking the specific medium helps clarify the nature of each item.
How should I hang them?
These framed works suit spaces that benefit from early twentieth-century visual character. Ensure you use appropriate fixings suited to the weight of the timber and glass frames.
Keep the pieces away from direct sunlight to preserve delicate paper, ink, and hand-coloured details. Proper placement protects both the artwork and its period frame.
What is drypoint?
Drypoint is a printmaking method where the artist scratches lines directly into a metal plate without using acid. This technique leaves a raised burr on the plate that holds extra ink during printing.
The resulting prints possess soft, velvety lines that distinguish them from standard engraved or etched images. Artists of the era utilised this method to create textured graphic works.
How do I identify the period?
The period is indicated by the subject matter, printing technique, and framing materials typical of nineteen-twenty and nineteen-thirty design. Signed editions and photographic works often carry dates or stylistic markers from those decades.
Materials such as walnut veneer, oak frames, and specific printing methods align with the artistic movements of the time. Comparing the subject to known works from artists of the era confirms the timeline.