What is a portrait etching on paper?

A portrait etching on paper is a fine art print created by biting lines into a metal plate with acid, then pressing the inked plate onto paper to capture a likeness. These works range from seventeenth-century mezzotints to twentieth-century drypoints, capturing sitters from various historical periods.

How should I frame these prints?

These works require framing behind glass with acid-free mounts to protect the vulnerable paper surface from light and atmospheric damage. Retaining original frames where present helps preserve the historical character of the piece.

How do I spot a genuine etching?

Genuine etchings typically display a plate mark, which is an indented impression in the paper where the edges of the metal plate pressed down during printing. Under magnification, the ink lines may also show a slight raised quality above the flat surface of the paper.

Where were these portraits made?

The pieces originate from European workshops and studios spanning several centuries, reflecting different regional printing traditions. French and British publishers and printmakers account for a large portion of the works found in these collections.