Louis Icart Prints: Value Guide & Authentication Tips for Collectors

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.

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

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:

1. Original etchings with aquatint and hand-coloring (highest value)
2. Limited edition lithographs (moderate value)
3. 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.

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

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.

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:

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:

1. Provenance matters: Prints with documented history of ownership command premium prices
2. Condition is critical: Even minor restoration can significantly impact value
3. Subject preference: Certain themes (automotive, fashion, dogs) consistently outperform others
4. Market cyclicality: Art Deco periodically experiences renewed popularity, affecting values
5. 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.

Where to Buy Authentic Louis Icart Prints

Quality sources for authentic Icart prints include:

1. Established auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s
2. Specialized galleries with expertise in early 20th-century prints
3. Reputable online platforms like 1stDibs (for vetted dealers)
4. 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

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

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.