Understanding the Difference Between a Lithograph and a Giclée Print

When shopping for fine art prints, you’ll often encounter the terms lithograph and giclée, and while both refer to methods of reproducing artwork, they are very different in terms of process, appearance, and value. Understanding these differences can help collectors make informed decisions when purchasing art for their homes or galleries.

A true lithograph is created using a traditional printmaking technique that dates back to the late 1700s. In this process, the artist or printer draws an image onto a stone or metal plate using a greasy substance. The surface is then chemically treated, inked, and pressed onto paper—either by hand or with a mechanical press. Each print is an original impression made directly from the plate, often with slight variations from one print to the next. Because of the manual nature of the process, lithographs are generally considered more “hands-on” and are often valued for their craftsmanship and historical authenticity. The term lithograph, however, has come to mean any print made with a more conventional printing process such as an offset press and so the use of the word is somewhat deceptive. None the less, high quality print on good paper is a lasting visual treasure which can be enjoyed for decades if cared for properly.

A giclée, by contrast, is a high-resolution inkjet print made from a digital file. The term (pronounced "zhee-clay") comes from the French word gicler, meaning "to spray," referring to the inkjet printing method. Giclées use archival-quality inks and papers, often producing rich color and fine detail that closely resembles the original artwork. While they can be produced in limited runs and signed by the artist, giclées are ultimately digital reproductions, and their value is typically rooted more in aesthetic enjoyment than collectible rarity.

In summary lithograph, as the term is most often used today, describes a high quality reproduction of an artist’s work with a print process usually supervised by the artist in question. The giclée, although a newer process, has already gained widespread acceptance throughout the art world and provides a readily accepted alternative to the more conventional printing process.