Original Lithograph vs. Exhibition Poster: A Collector’s Quick Guide

Original Lithograph vs. Exhibition Poster: A Collector’s Quick Guide

Looking at a Miró and wondering… is this an original print or a poster? Here’s a clear, collector-friendly guide you can rely on.

What is an original lithograph?

An original lithograph is a fine-art print created from images drawn on a lithographic stone or plate and printed as the artwork itself, not a reproduction of a pre-existing work.

  • Artist involvement/authorization – conceived for print and produced under the artist’s direction (or by their estate/publisher).

  • Editioned printing – often numbered (e.g., 37/150), sometimes unsigned/unnumbered as issued depending on the project.

  • Fine paper – cotton rag papers such as Arches, BFK Rives, or Vélin, often with watermarks and decklededges.

  • Printing look – under a loupe you see flat color fields and the textures of lithographic crayon/ink—no CMYK rosette dots.

  • Documentation – the publisher/printer (e.g., Maeght, Mourlot, Arte) is typically cited in catalogues or publisher records.

What is an exhibition poster?

An exhibition poster is promotional material for a show, museum, or gallery. It can be beautifully printed, but its purpose is advertising, not a limited fine-art edition.

  • Contains text – venue, dates, “Affiche,” printer/permission lines along the lower margin.

  • Printing method – usually offset lithography (you’ll see halftone dots/rosette under magnification).

  • Paper & edition – poster stock; not numbered as an art edition (though a poster may later be hand-signed).

  • Collectibility – value depends on artist, event, printer, condition, and scarcity; still classified as a poster.

How to tell the difference

Paper
• Rag paper with a watermark (e.g., Arches, BFK Rives) → likely original lithograph
• Thinner poster paper; no watermark → often exhibition poster

Print surface (loupe test)
• Solid color areas, visible crayon/grease textures; no CMYK rosette → original lithograph
• Halftone dots/rosette pattern → offset poster

Margins & edges
• Deckled edges and generous margins → common on fine-art prints
• Narrow or machine-cut margins → common on posters

Numbering/signature
• Pencil numbering (e.g., 25/100) and sometimes pencil signature → editioned print
• No numbering; printed signature in the image; exhibition text → poster
• Note: Projects like Derrière le Miroir (DLM) issued many unsigned/unnumbered original lithographs—see below.

Publisher/Printer lines
• Names like Maeght Éditeur, Mourlot, Arte Adrien Maeght appear on both prints and posters. Use them with the checks above; the credit alone is not decisive.

Common case: Derrière le Miroir (DLM)

  • What it is – A Maeght Éditeur publication that included original lithographs by Miró, Chagall, Calder, Giacometti, and others.

  • Edition practice – Many DLM lithographs were unsigned and unnumbered as issued; deluxe copies on finer papers may be signed/numbered.

  • Paper/printing – Quality rag papers, typically printed by Mourlot or Arte.

  • Condition notes – Possible center folds (from binding), text on verso, or staple holes; normal for sheets removed from the magazine and reflected in pricing.

  • Bottom line – A DLM sheet can be a true original lithograph even without signature or numbering—confirm with paper, printing look, and exact issue reference.

Buying smart: quick pointers

Good targets

  • Original lithographs from reputable publishers (e.g., DLM, Mourlot/Arte projects).

  • Vintage exhibition posters with strong design and first printings by quality ateliers.

  • Smaller-format original prints by recognized artists.

Condition checklist

  • Prefer unfolded sheets and full margins.

  • Avoid heavy toning/foxing, tears, or trimming into the image.

  • Look for crisp color; fading reduces value.

  • Note any watermarks, printer’s stamps, or labels.

Framing tips

  • Use UV-protective glazing and acid-free mats/hinges.

  • Avoid tape on the sheet; consider float mounting to show deckled edges.

  • Keep COAs, invoices, and old labels together as provenance.

Quick FAQ

Is a poster ever “original”?
“Original” refers to intent and editioning. Even if a poster was printed with stone lithography, it remains a poster if its purpose was promotion.

If a DLM print isn’t numbered, is it fake?
No. Many DLM lithographs were unsigned/unnumbered as issued. Identify by paper, printing method, and the exact DLM issue reference.

Can a poster be valuable?
Yes—museum/gallery posters by major artists, especially early printings by great ateliers and in excellent condition, are highly collectible.

The Grailora approach

  • Every work is vetted for authenticity.

  • Provenance and documentation are provided where available.

  • A Grailora Certificate of Authenticity is included where noted.

  • Insured worldwide shipping with archival packaging.

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