How do I date an old engraving?

Dating relies on paper characteristics, plate style, and typographical conventions found in the captions or margins. Examining the watermark and paper fibre can also narrow down the period of production. Historical records and the documented working dates of engravers like James Basire provide a reliable timeframe for eighteenth-century architectural plates.

Are these original eighteenth-century prints?

The listings include genuine eighteenth-century intaglio engravings pulled from period publications like the antiquities of Athens. Each plate reflects the printmaking technology of its specific era. Later Victorian works and early twentieth-century illustrations are also represented, each carrying distinct stylistic markers of their respective times.

How should I frame antique paper?

Framing antique engravings requires acid-free mount board and UV-protective glass to prevent paper degradation and fading of the ink over time. Proper spacing keeps the paper from touching the glass directly. Traditional wood frames or giltwood moulding complement the classical subject matter while maintaining archival standards for paper preservation.