What Is A Giclée?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GICLÉE REPRODUCTIONS
What is a Giclée?
It is pronounced “zhee-clay”, a French term to describe a museum quality reproduction. In the art world, the Giclée are regarded as one of the highest quality reproductions available
How is it created?
The giclée process uses an incredibly accurate computer-controlled jet to apply precise colour ink on canvas. These jets streams are the width of a human hair, making them so precise, creating an incredible high resolution.
How do I know its value?
Usually there is a limited run of 50 to 500. The artist will hand write the number of the giclée and the run on the canvas, such as 3/50 and sign their name. Once 50 of these giclées are created, they no longer can be produced. This is known as a Limited Reproduction Giclée. It is important to note that there are usually scheduled price increases as giclées begin to sell out.
If the run is un-limited, several hundred or thousands are mass produced. Absent is a number or hand signature from the artist and because the run is known as an open run, it may not be as valuable.
What should I look for when purchasing a Giclée?
Ask for Limited Giclée Reproductions. You may want to purchase them directly from the artists or a gallery. Look for the artist signature and how many of these giclées were created or will be created. Generally the less runs will be hand stretched and hand varnished.
Examine the back of the canvas to ensure that it is of substance. The less quality will be printed on a thin support and usually will not hand stretched, but mass produced. Examine the intensity of the colours as well.
Art purchased in big box stores, usually will have thin canvases, no written signatures and the colours may faded shortly. You will find a substantial difference when you examine them and how they appear on the walls of your home.
Care of your Giclée
Afford your giclée the same level of care as an original piece of art. As they are valuable works these beautiful reproductions are costly to produce, so they should be handled with care. Do not hang them in direct sun.
Giclée like fine painting should last a lifetime.