Louis Icart Prints: Value Guide & Authentication Tips for Collectors
Discover the value of Louis Icart prints, from identification techniques to price factors. Learn how to authenticate genuine etchings and maximize your investment.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated August 1, 2023
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<span>Introduction to Louis Icart Prints</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Louis Icart (1888-1950) was a French artist renowned for his elegant, Art Deco-style etchings that captured the essence of Parisian glamour during the early 20th century. His distinctive works featuring fashionable women, romantic scenes, and occasional humorous themes have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This comprehensive guide explores the factors that determine Louis Icart print values, authentication methods, and market insights essential for collectors and enthusiasts.</div>
Icart’s most celebrated works were created between 1920 and 1940, during the height of the Art Deco period. His technical mastery of etching, combined with his ability to capture the sensuality and style of the era, has established him as one of the most important printmakers of his time. Today, original Icart etchings command significant prices at auction, with rare pieces reaching into the thousands of dollars.
Louis Icart Market Highlights
$4,895High-end value
For rare, sought-after originals like "Speed" (1927)
1927-1940Peak Period
Most valuable works created during Art Deco era
3,499Artprice Ranking
Position in top 5000 best-selling artists at auction
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<span>Factors Affecting Louis Icart Print Values</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The market value of Louis Icart prints varies widely based on several key factors. Understanding these elements will help collectors make informed decisions when buying or selling these precious artworks.</div>
Authenticity and Signature
Authentic Louis Icart prints bear distinctive signatures and specific markings. Genuine pieces typically have:
A pencil signature by the artist
A blind stamp (dry seal)
A visible plate mark from the etching process
Copyright information and date
The word “Gravé” (engraved) or “Imp” (printed) followed by the printer’s name
Signed prints command significantly higher prices than unsigned examples. According to Lockport Street Gallery, the signature is one of the most critical determinants of value.
Rarity and Desirability
Some Icart prints were produced in larger quantities than others, making the rarer examples more valuable. His most sought-after subjects include:
Elegant women in fashionable attire
Art Deco-styled romantic scenes
Works featuring greyhound dogs
Erotic or suggestive themes
Early automotive subjects like “Speed” (1927)
According to auction data from Invaluable.com, these popular themes consistently achieve higher prices at auction.
Condition and Conservation
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<span>Condition Assessment</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The condition of an Icart print significantly impacts its market value. Even minor flaws can substantially reduce the price of otherwise rare and desirable works.</div>
Louis Icart Print Condition Factors
Check applicable items to assess print condition
No foxing (brown spots) or staining
Original hand-coloring intact and vibrant
No tears, creases, or repairs
Proper framing with acid-free materials
Original margins preserved
No trimming or alteration to the image
Paper remains supple without brittleness
Properly preserved prints in excellent condition can command prices 30-50% higher than similar works with condition issues. Conservation treatments, while sometimes necessary, should be disclosed when selling as they can affect value.
Print Type and Technique
Louis Icart created works using different printmaking techniques, and this affects their value:
Original etchings with aquatint and hand-coloring (highest value)
Limited edition lithographs (moderate value)
Reproduction prints made after his death (lowest value)
The most valuable Icart prints are his original etchings, which involve a complex process where the artist engraves a design onto a metal plate. According to Heritage Auctions, these originals show distinctive textural qualities that reproductions lack.
Louis Icart Print Value Ranges
Current market values based on type and condition
Category
Price
Notes
Original Signed Etchings (Excellent Condition)
$1,500 - $5,000+
Rare subjects, complete documentation
Original Signed Etchings (Good Condition)
$800 - $2,500
Common subjects or minor condition issues
Unsigned Original Etchings
$450 - $1,200
Lacking signature but otherwise authentic
Limited Edition Lithographs
$300 - $900
Authorized reproductions
Modern Reproductions
$50 - $200
Posthumous prints without artistic value
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<span>How to Authenticate Louis Icart Prints</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Authentication is critical when collecting Louis Icart prints, as reproductions and forgeries are common in the market. Here are key authentication methods to ensure you’re investing in genuine Icart artwork.</div>
Identifying Plate Marks
One of the most reliable authentication features is the plate mark—the indentation in the paper created by the metal etching plate during printing. According to Lockport Street Gallery:
“Since Icart used thin plates, both the top and bottom edges of the plate can be visible in the paper. Unlike a blind stamp, the plate mark is created during the printing process, and has to be there if the work is an etching as opposed to a reproduction lithographic print.”
The plate mark is typically a rectangular indentation extending beyond the image area. Reproductions generally lack this physical characteristic.
Examining Paper Quality and Age
Authentic Icart prints were produced on high-quality, acid-free paper that has distinctive aging characteristics:
Original 1920s-1940s paper will show natural aging
The paper should feel substantial but not thick or glossy
When held to light, you might see watermarks in some examples
Modern reproduction paper often appears too white or bright
Analyzing Print Colors and Details
Close examination of Icart's distinctive aquatint technique and hand-coloring
Genuine Louis Icart etchings showcase exceptional technical skill:
Hand-applied watercolors with subtle variations
Delicate aquatint textures creating tonal ranges
Fine etched lines with exceptional detail
Slight imperfections characteristic of the hand process
Reproductions typically have flat colors without the dimensionality of original hand-coloring. Under magnification, originals will show irregular patterns of ink and color application, while reproductions often display regular dot patterns characteristic of mechanical printing processes.
Louis Icart Career Milestones
1888
Birth in Toulouse, France
Louis Justin Laurent Icart was born into a family of merchants and began drawing at an early age.
1907
Moved to Paris
Began studying painting and developed his distinctive style while working on fashion illustrations.
1920s
Early Success Period
Gained popularity with his first etchings, establishing his signature Art Deco style.
1927-1940
Peak Creative Period
Most valuable and sought-after works were created during this era, including “Speed” and other iconic images.
1950
Death in Paris
Passed away, leaving behind an influential body of work that would later experience a major revival.
1970s-Present
Market Revival
Renewed interest in Art Deco led to increasing value and collectibility of Icart prints.
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<span>Market Trends and Investment Potential</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Understanding the auction market and price trends for Louis Icart prints helps collectors make informed investment decisions. The market has shown consistent growth over the past decades, with particular strength in the United States.</div>
According to Artprice.com, Louis Icart ranks 3,499th in the top 5,000 world rankings of best-selling artists at auction, with his works primarily selling in the United States. This suggests a stable and mature market for his prints.
Recent Auction Results
Tracking recent sales provides insight into current market values and collector preferences:
Notable Louis Icart Auction Results
Selected recent sales from major auction houses
Item
Price
Date
Auction House
"Speed" (1927)
$4,895
2023
Original Art Broker
"Meadow Maiden" (1946)
$450
2023
Gilden's Art Gallery
"Bubbles" (1920s)
$1,800
2022
Christie's
"Reclining Nude" (1920)
$1,440
2022
1stDibs
"Parisian Life" (1930s)
$2,200
2022
Heritage Auctions
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Data from LiveAuctioneers shows a wide range of prices, with exceptional examples occasionally surpassing the $5,000 mark, particularly for rare subjects or those in pristine condition.
Investment Considerations
When considering Louis Icart prints as investments, collectors should note:
Provenance matters: Prints with documented history of ownership command premium prices
Condition is critical: Even minor restoration can significantly impact value
Subject preference: Certain themes (automotive, fashion, dogs) consistently outperform others
Market cyclicality: Art Deco periodically experiences renewed popularity, affecting values
Authentication documentation: Having expert verification increases resale potential
According to market data from Art Brokerage, Icart prints have shown steady appreciation over time, making them relatively stable investments compared to other decorative art categories.
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<span>Collecting Louis Icart: Beginner's Guide</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">For those new to collecting Louis Icart prints, here are essential tips to build a quality collection while avoiding common pitfalls.</div>
Where to Buy Authentic Louis Icart Prints
Quality sources for authentic Icart prints include:
Established auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s
Specialized galleries with expertise in early 20th-century prints
Reputable online platforms like 1stDibs (for vetted dealers)
Art fairs specializing in works on paper or Art Deco
Be cautious with general marketplaces like eBay, where reproductions are frequently misrepresented as originals. When using eBay, look for sellers with specialized knowledge and detailed condition reports.
Starting a Collection on a Budget
New collectors can enter the market through:
Lesser-known Icart subjects, which can be more affordable
Unsigned but otherwise authentic examples
Prints with minor condition issues that don’t affect the image
Later works from the 1940s, which are often more accessible price-wise
According to auction data from Invaluable.com, entry-level original Icart etchings can sometimes be found for under $500, providing an accessible entry point for new collectors.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When collecting Icart prints, be wary of:
“Too good to be true” pricing: Authentic Icart etchings rarely sell for very low prices
Inconsistent signatures: Study authentic signatures before purchasing
Missing plate marks: A key indicator of reproduction prints
Over-restored works: Heavy restoration diminishes both authenticity and value
Improper framing: Acidic materials can damage prints over time
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<span>Preserving and Displaying Louis Icart Prints</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Proper care and display are essential to maintaining the condition and value of Louis Icart prints over time.</div>
Conservation Best Practices
To preserve your Icart prints:
Frame using acid-free, archival materials
Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading
Avoid displaying in direct sunlight or areas with high humidity
Handle prints by the edges while wearing cotton gloves
Store unframed prints flat in acid-free portfolio cases
For prints requiring restoration, consult only with paper conservators specializing in vintage prints. Amateur restoration attempts can permanently damage valuable works.
Display Recommendations
When displaying Icart prints:
Group thematically (fashion subjects, romantic scenes, etc.)
Consider period-appropriate frames from the Art Deco era
Maintain consistent environmental conditions
Rotate displayed prints periodically if exposed to any light
Complement with other decorative arts from the 1920s-1940s period
Common Questions About Louis Icart Prints
How do you know if an Icart print is real?
Authentic Louis Icart prints will have several key indicators:
A visible plate mark (indentation in the paper from the etching plate)
Hand-applied watercolor with subtle variations
A blind stamp (dry seal)
Pencil signature by the artist
Fine etched lines with exceptional detail
Quality paper showing appropriate age characteristics
Copyright information and date
Since Icart used thin plates, both the top and bottom edges of the plate mark should be visible in the paper. This plate mark is created during the printing process and must be present for a genuine etching, distinguishing it from a reproduction lithographic print.
What makes Louis Icart prints valuable?
Several factors determine the value of Louis Icart prints:
Authenticity: Genuine etchings with proper signatures and markings
Rarity: Limited editions and uncommon subjects command higher prices
Condition: Pristine examples without repairs, tears, or foxing
Subject matter: Some themes (automotive, fashion, dogs) are particularly desirable
Provenance: Documented history of ownership adds value
Size and format: Larger, more detailed works typically command higher prices
Historical importance: Works that exemplify Icart’s signature Art Deco style
The most valuable Icart prints typically come from his peak creative period between 1927 and 1940, with rare subjects in excellent condition commanding the highest prices.
How much are Louis Icart prints worth?
Louis Icart print values vary widely based on authenticity, condition, and subject matter:
Original signed etchings in excellent condition: $1,500 - $5,000+ (rare subjects command premium prices)
Original signed etchings with minor condition issues: $800 - $2,500
Unsigned original etchings: $450 - $1,200
Limited edition lithographs: $300 - $900
Modern reproductions: $50 - $200
Exceptional examples, particularly those with popular subjects like “Speed” (1927), have sold for nearly $5,000 at recent auctions. According to Artprice.com, Icart ranks among the top 5,000 best-selling artists at auction, with most sales occurring in the United States market.
How do I tell if my print is valuable?
To determine if your print is valuable, examine these factors:
Authentication: Confirm it’s a genuine Icart etching with proper signatures and markings
Condition assessment: Check for damage, restoration, fading, or staining
Subject evaluation: Research if your print depicts a popular or rare Icart subject
Edition information: Determine if it’s from a limited edition or rare series
Provenance research: Document any history of ownership or exhibition
Professional appraisal: Consult with an expert specializing in early 20th-century prints
Generally, value is enhanced by quality (authenticity and condition), desirability (appealing subject matter), and rarity (limited production). For a definitive assessment, consider having your print evaluated by a reputable auction house like Heritage Auctions or a gallery specializing in Icart’s work.
Are Louis Icart prints hand-colored?
Yes, authentic Louis Icart etchings were typically hand-colored using watercolors. This hand-coloring process is a distinctive feature of his work and adds to their value and appeal.
The coloring was applied by skilled colorists under Icart’s supervision, creating subtle variations in color and tone that cannot be perfectly replicated by mechanical reproduction processes. When examining an Icart print, look for:
Slight variations in color application
Transparent layers of watercolor that allow the etched lines to show through
Occasional minor irregularities in color application
Colors that appear to sit on the surface rather than being embedded in the paper
These hand-colored characteristics are important authentication features and distinguish genuine Icart etchings from later reproductions, which typically have more uniform, mechanical color applications.
<span>Conclusion: Building Value in Your Louis Icart Collection</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Louis Icart prints represent not only beautiful examples of Art Deco artistry but also potentially valuable investments when authenticated and properly preserved. By understanding the factors that influence their value and learning to distinguish genuine etchings from reproductions, collectors can build meaningful collections that appreciate over time.</div>
The market for Louis Icart prints continues to show stability and growth, particularly in the United States. For collectors, the combination of artistic merit, historical significance, and investment potential makes these prints perennially attractive additions to any fine art collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of Louis Icart, taking the time to research authenticity indicators, condition factors, and market trends will help ensure that your purchases maintain their value and bring lasting aesthetic enjoyment.
