French Country · Encyclopedia · Paintings, Posters and Prints
Engraving
Prints from engraved copper or steel plates.
Prints & Lithographs · Indicative US retail $30–$1,500
At a glance
- Family: Prints & Lithographs
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1700 to 1900.
- Typical price: about $150; range $30 to $1,500 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Artist, age
What it is
Engravings are prints made from copper or steel plates incised by hand with a burin or etched with acid. From the 17th to the 19th century they spread images of towns, châteaux, maps, portraits, fashion, natural history and architecture across Europe; French engravers of the Encyclopédie of Diderot and d'Alembert, of fashion journals and of topographical series are especially collected for decoration.
How to identify and date it
An original engraving has a plate mark, a slight depression pressed into the paper around the image; fine, crisp lines and old laid paper with visible chain lines confirm age. Captions, plate numbers and engravers' names appear below the image. Reproductions show a dot screen under a magnifier. Check for foxing, stains, trimmed margins and fading; hand-coloring can be original or later.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1700 to 1900.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most engraving examples ask around $150. Simple or worn pieces start near $30, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $1,500. The main value drivers are: artist, age. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Check plate marks and paper
- Look under magnification
- Inspect margins
Living with it
Framed engravings in a study, a staircase or a guest room add a scholarly air.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.