How to identify a lithograph
Lithograph identification starts with paper, image surface, margins, signature, edition, publisher, and whether the image is an original lithograph or reproduction.
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Look for paper fibers, flat ink, hand-coloring, edition number, pencil signature, publisher marks, and magnified dot patterns. A lithograph can be original or reproductive.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, medium, edition, subject, and demand can materially change value.
Evidence checklist
- Photograph the whole object, close details, back, frame or base, signatures, labels, condition issues, and scale.
- Include medium, dimensions, provenance, receipts, certificates, gallery labels, and prior appraisal records.
- Show the evidence that could prove or disprove the first assumption: texture, paper, canvas, plate mark, edition, foundry mark, surface, or damage.
What changes the answer
- Artist, edition, paper, signature, publisher, hand-coloring, and condition drive value.
- Offset reproductions and original lithographs can look similar without close photos.
- Foxing, mat burn, fading, trimming, tears, and backing can reduce value.
Note: We couldn’t find enough auction records that directly match How to identify a lithograph to publish a defensible price table. If you are valuing a specific item, include its maker, model, material, photos, and condition so the search can be narrowed.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific lithograph.
Shown USD range: USD 10-USD 210,000. Median of these 9 USD examples: USD 350.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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"A PRIMROSE FROM ENGLAND" antique hand-coloured lithograph by JOHN ROBERT DICKSEE (1817-1905), after an original oil painting by EDWARD HOPLEY (1816-1869), attractively housed in Tasmanian huon pine frame, 93 x 103cm overall. | Leski Auctions Pty Ltd | 2025-11-29 | 382 | AUD 1,600 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Roy Lichtenstein, Crying Girl, Offset Lithograph signed. | Novartia | 2021-09-19 | 180 | EUR 14,000 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Joan Miró, Color Lithograph, 'Galerie Maeght', Spain, 1978 | Auctionata US | 2015-01-22 | 56 | USD 2,880 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Vintage War Dance Of The Sauks And Foxes Lithograph Print | Lion and Unicorn | 2020-10-12 | 266 | USD 325 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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RUDOLPH CARL GORMAN ORIGINAL STONE LITHOGRAPH (Uni | O'Gallerie | 2015-02-23 | 161 | USD 800 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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VERNER OFFSET LITHOGRAPH | Burchard Galleries Inc | 2015-03-22 | 1270 | USD 250 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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1978 Appel Cats Lithograph | DUMBO Auctions | 2015-01-17 | 52 | USD 100 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Roy Lichtenstein, Original Lithograph Limited Edition | Novartia | 2021-09-19 | 119 | EUR 400 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Charles Frace Offset Lithograph of a Panda | Caza Sikes | 2023-02-22 | 356 | USD 10 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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Joan Miró, Lithograph, Fashion Frenzy - Blue, Red, Green, 1969 | Auctionata US | 2015-01-22 | 63 | USD 3,840 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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AFTER PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) ORIGINAL LITHOGRAPH TITLED BOUQUET DE FLEURS, 12IN X 15IN (30.5cm X 38cm) | The Rug Life Auctions | 2024-11-12 | 68 | USD 350 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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DRACULA - One Sheet (27" x 41"); Style F, Stone Lithograph; Fine+ on Linen | Propstore Los Angeles | 2025-03-07 | 128 | USD 210,000 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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