Home Decorating with Antique Art Prints: Original Antique Prints or Antique Reproduction Prints
By Joseph Borowy
Decorating with framed antique prints is a popular method among many decorators. Hanging antique fish and bird prints is a warming way to enhance a “lodge” feel in a log cottage. Arranging botanical prints, such as ferns, grasses and roses, is a simple way to create a soothing "Green" feel in a kitchen. While millions hang groupings of antique prints for decoration, all have to choose between acquiring antique reproduced prints, or antique original prints. Although the quandary itself is hardly discussed among home decorators, the choice has significant consequences.
Although some claim that antique original prints have a superior discernable quality that simply cannot be reproduced, many find it hard to differentiate an original antique print from a corresponding reproduction print. The discrepancy in opinion is generally a product of the condition of a given original. The quality and amount of digital enhancement and restoration done to a reproduced image prior to being printed can also have an impact on how the two match up to one another. On the other hand, some things, such as the anitque appearance of aged paper, just cannot accurately be reproduced. Up until the early 90's there was little question as to whether an antique original print was visually more appealing than the corresponding reproduction antique print. Unless an antique printing press (forging a plate and hand coloring it) was used to create the reproduced print, most visual details were for all intensive purposes, impossible to recreate. It wasn’t until our current age of sophisticated computer-based technology that antique originals were able to be scanned or photographed, enhanced, and reprinted with such incredible quality and detail that the reproductions rival the corresponding originals. In some comparisons, spectators find antique reproduction prints visually more desirable than the antique prints from which they were sourced.
While the debate can seem perpetual, there are very few who argue over the significant difference in cost. Antique original prints will be overwhelmingly more expensive. In light of this, the question is often asked - if most observers would have a hard time distinguishing between the two, one must wonder, is the price difference really justifiable? It really depends on the individual. For most interior designers and home decorators, the answer is no. However, to collectors of fine antiques, the vintage authenticity of an art print that has aged for hundreds of years is very appealing, and the cost is justified. There is also something to be said about the investment value of select rare antique prints. Like many collectables, the values of antique originals can grow over time. This is worth considering for those who seek collectability just as much or more than they do decoration. Still, for most home decorators it is more cost effective to seek high quality reproduction prints that suit their individual needs.
Cost efficiency is not the sole advantage to decorating with reproduced antique prints. They also offer flexibile options that help fit a work of art into an already well decorated room. Finding a “must –have” print available in 11”x14” to fit in a wall display grouping, when the original from which it came was a 5x7, is a luxury made possible only through reproduction. If trying to stay on a tight budget, seek publishers that print in standard sizes- (5x7 - 8x10 - and 11x14). Because these sizes are widely used, one can obtain cost efficient frames and mats. The ability to order a print in Black & White or Sepia is also a decorating advantage. While not all publishers offer these options, investigating those who do may be an important factor to giving a room the desired effect without compromising the present theme.
About the author
Joe provides informative content from http://www.ChartingNature.com - Visit our Antique Prints page at http://www.ChartingNature.com/antique-prints.cfm to view our superb reproductions! from http://www.FreeArticlesAndContent.com
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