Etchings

In art history, etchings have had a huge impact, especially on printmaking. Etchings, recognized as fine art since the 15th century, have a history of challenging conventional thinking. Throughout history, various etching techniques have been employed by artists to achieve completely different effects. The medium has always been used as a means to push the boundaries of contemporary art, as evidenced by Albrecht Dürer's revolutionary Knight, Death, and the Devil as well as Francisco Goya's infamous War Disasters series. Explore and place your bids in our online auctions of original vintage and antique etchings for sale at Bidsquare.

Among the intaglio printing methods, etching, along with engraving, mezzotint, and aquatint, is thought to have originated from the decoration of metal armor in Northern Europe during the 15th century. As a printmaking medium, etching quickly rivaled engraving due to its relative simplicity. One of the oldest forms of illustration, etching involves engraving images on soft metal and then transferring them onto paper. It was the Swiss artist Urs Graf who created the first dated etching in 1513 using iron plates. At about the same time, five etchings were made by Albrecht Dürer, a prolific German graphic artist. With Albrecht Dürer, engraving reached its pinnacle with its precise and tapered lines. His "Cannon" depicts the spontaneity and flowing lines in etching that were not yet valued in northern Europe. Rembrandt was the first and perhaps greatest master of pure etching, who harnessed the similarity of the medium to pencil or pen drawing. The artist produced more than 300 etchings with remarkable skill, conveying light, air, and space with a sense of freedom inherent in the medium.

In the late nineteenth century, many printmakers experimented with color etchings. It was previously only possible to etch in black-and-white, so this explosion of color was something of a revolution in the etching medium. Printmakers with more experience and skill attempted color etchings first since it was technically complex and time-consuming. But as time passed, artists with less experience could also seek the assistance of printers like Eugène Delâtre.

Many artists used etching throughout the 19th century, and several prominent artists took up the technique with renewed enthusiasm in the 20th century. One of the most prominent of these is Pablo Picasso, whose Cubist ideas were first realized through etching, which he then utilized in his "classical" period to exploit its purity of line. David Hockney and Marc Chagall also created a great deal of work in this medium, as did Henri Matisse, Georges Rouault, Stanley Hayter, and Joan Miró.

Quick Facts about Etchings

  • Each plate can only produce a limited number of prints because the plate wears down with each use. 
  • As etchings are not mass-produced, they have an air of exclusivity that is not found in original art.
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  • Avi Thaw (b. 1943) American, Etching and Aquatint
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Avi Thaw (b. 1943) American, Etching and Aquatint

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Michael Arike (b. 1933) American, (3) Matted Etchings
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    Michael Arike (b. 1933) American, (3) Matted Etchings

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Thomas Möser (b. 1956) German, and Others, (3) Etchings
    Estimate
    $600 - $800

    Thomas Möser (b. 1956) German, and Others, (3) Etchings...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $300
  • Michael Arike (b. 1933) American, (2) Color Etchings
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    Michael Arike (b. 1933) American, (2) Color Etchings

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • (2) Matted Etchings
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    (2) Matted Etchings

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Orlando Castillo (b. 1947) Filipino/American, Framed Etching
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Orlando Castillo (b. 1947) Filipino/American, Framed Et...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Orlando Castillo (b. 1947) Filipino/American, Framed Etching
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Orlando Castillo (b. 1947) Filipino/American, Framed Et...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Thomas Möser (b. 1956) German, (2) Color Etchings
    Estimate
    $350 - $700

    Thomas Möser (b. 1956) German, (2) Color Etchings

    Est.
    $350 - $700
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $175
  • Marc Chagall (1887-1985) Russia/France, Hand Colored Etching
    Estimate
    $7,000 - $14,000

    Marc Chagall (1887-1985) Russia/France, Hand Colored Et...

    Est.
    $7,000 - $14,000
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $3,800
  • Alexandre Ivanov (b. 1952) Russian, and Ronald Linder (1940-1988) American, (3) Mixed Media Etchings
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    Alexandre Ivanov (b. 1952) Russian, and Ronald Linder (...

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • Joseph Cave (b. 1936) American, Art Folio "Portugal Suite No. 1: Six Etchings"
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    Joseph Cave (b. 1936) American, Art Folio "Portugal Sui...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • After Pablo Picasso (Spain, 1881-1973) Limited Edition Etching
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500

    After Pablo Picasso (Spain, 1881-1973) Limited Edition ...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $800
  • Morton Garchik (1929-2009) American, Framed Limited Edition Etching on Paper
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Morton Garchik (1929-2009) American, Framed Limited Edi...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • John Chious (b. 1940) American, Artists Proof Etching and Aquatint "Retrospect #4"
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    John Chious (b. 1940) American, Artists Proof Etching a...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • After Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Spanish, Deux Couples Limited Edition Pencil Signed Etching
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $6,000

    After Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Spanish, Deux Couples L...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $6,000
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $1,500
  • Johnny Friedlaender (1912-1992) French, 'Rainbow II' Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Johnny Friedlaender (1912-1992) French, 'Rainbow II' Pr...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $50
  • Sam Francis Foundation Maeght Vintage Exhibition Poster 1983
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    Sam Francis Foundation Maeght Vintage Exhibition Poster...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Pat Steir Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing Exhibition Poster
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    Pat Steir Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing Exhibi...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Dietrich Grunewald (1916-2003) Swedish/American, Large Serigraph
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Dietrich Grunewald (1916-2003) Swedish/American, Large ...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Lise Drost (b. 1958) American, Abstract Print

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Elfriede Abbe (1919-2012) American, Two (2) Color Woodcuts
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    Elfriede Abbe (1919-2012) American, Two (2) Color Woodc...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Marc Chagall (1887-1985) French, 'The Green Horse' Print
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Marc Chagall (1887-1985) French, 'The Green Horse' Prin...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Marc Chagall (1887-1985) Russian/French, Lithograph
    Estimate
    $600 - $900

    Marc Chagall (1887-1985) Russian/French, Lithograph

    Est.
    $600 - $900
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $350
  • Jean-Michel Folon (1934-2005) Belgian/French, Large Everyman in Glasses Print
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    Jean-Michel Folon (1934-2005) Belgian/French, Large Eve...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Henri Matisse (1869-1954) French, "Teeny" Lithograph
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Henri Matisse (1869-1954) French, "Teeny" Lithograph

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $50
  • Unknown- Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $960 - $1,200

    Unknown- Etching on paper

    Est.
    $960 - $1,200
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $305
  • Holden- Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $640 - $800

    Holden- Etching on paper

    Est.
    $640 - $800
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $190
  • Holden- Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $640 - $800

    Holden- Etching on paper

    Est.
    $640 - $800
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $190
  • Louis Icart - Lampshade Preliminary Etching
    Estimate
    $16,000 - $24,000

    Louis Icart - Lampshade Preliminary Etching

    Est.
    $16,000 - $24,000
    Dane Fine Art
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $8,000
  • Unkown- Vintage Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $320 - $400

    Unkown- Vintage Etching on paper

    Est.
    $320 - $400
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $110
  • Unkown- Vintage Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $320 - $400

    Unkown- Vintage Etching on paper

    Est.
    $320 - $400
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $110
  • (6) Vintage French Colored Etchings
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    (6) Vintage French Colored Etchings

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Thomas Robinson - Untitled Original Etching
    Estimate
    $400 - $500

    Thomas Robinson - Untitled Original Etching

    Est.
    $400 - $500
    Dane Fine Art
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Guillaume Azoulay- Etching on Paper "Contraction"
    Estimate
    $640 - $800

    Guillaume Azoulay- Etching on Paper "Contraction"

    Est.
    $640 - $800
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $335
  • Mikhail Maofis (Mayofis)- Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $320 - $400

    Mikhail Maofis (Mayofis)- Etching on paper

    Est.
    $320 - $400
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $245
  • Guillaume Azoulay- Original Etching
    Estimate
    $900 - $1,125

    Guillaume Azoulay- Original Etching

    Est.
    $900 - $1,125
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $225
  • Mikhail Maofis (Mayofis)- Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $160 - $200

    Mikhail Maofis (Mayofis)- Etching on paper

    Est.
    $160 - $200
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $130
  • Jonathan Hammer- Limited Edition Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $280 - $350

    Jonathan Hammer- Limited Edition Etching on paper

    Est.
    $280 - $350
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $220
  • Jonathan Hammer- Limited Edition Etching on paper
    Estimate
    $280 - $350

    Jonathan Hammer- Limited Edition Etching on paper

    Est.
    $280 - $350
    Robinhood Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $220
  • Dorothy Bartholomew: 1918 Etching Mother & Child
    Estimate
    $125 - $350

    Dorothy Bartholomew: 1918 Etching Mother & Child

    Est.
    $125 - $350
    500 Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $125