Behind the Scenes: Giclée Printing ‘Family of the Cats’ by Daniel Elliot

By Maxime Noija

The process of creating a facsimile giclée

Recently, we had the pleasure of delighting a customer with a beautiful set of giclée prints by a significant 18th-century artist: Daniel Giraud Elliot, A Monograph of the Felidae or Family of the Cats. In this blog, we take you through the process of creating a facsimile giclée.

The process of creating a facsimile giclée print can be divided into 4 phases: Digitalization of the original; Retouching of the original; Proofing, and Printing the facsimile giclée.

1. Digitalization of the Original in Teylers Museum

Many of our original artworks have been scanned in collaboration with the Teylers Museum in Haarlem. This includes the complete set ‘Family of the Cats’ by Daniel Giraud Elliot. It comprises a total of 43 stunning illustrations that Elliot had created by his print artists Joseph Wolf and Joseph Smit. The paper size is approximately: 23.6 x 19.5 inches (60 x 49.5 cm). Scanning is conducted within the museum’s secure environment and follows very strict guidelines. To achieve 100% accuracy in the facsimile, the input ratio must exactly match the output ratio and be of exceptionally high resolution.

We have our facsimile giclée prints produced by Re-Art, with whom we have had a longstanding partnership. Re-Art uses a Cruse Fine Art Scanner, which is a state-of-the-art tool for digitizing originals and has tremendous resolution.

2. Retouching the Original

Retouching the original is important to correct any discoloration and damage in the original. This could include small brown spots of acidification in the paper, as well as scratches on the stone or etching plate. These are expertly digitally retouched, while preserving the characteristics of the original. In many cases, antique prints are bound, meaning they cannot be completely flattened for digitalization. Any photographic deviations from the original are fully corrected digitally.

3. Proofing

In addition to the digitalization of the original, the proofing phase is extremely important. Here, the eye and expertise of the color lithographer are absolutely essential. His knowledge and skill ensure that the color of the facsimile closely matches that of the original. Proofs are produced on the print paper, and once approved by the color lithographer, the master file is ready to begin printing.

4. Printing the Facsimile Giclée

Once the digital master file is prepared, printing can begin. We use Epson printers because the Piezo print technique is the only one capable of squirting 2880 ink drops per inch on paper, resulting in exceptionally sharp and detailed facsimile prints. The production of a single facsimile print is extremely time-consuming, taking an average of 25 to 45 minutes per print.

Quality

The combination of water-based archival inks and acid-free fine paper ensures that the facsimile prints have a lifespan of 80 to 300 years. They are waterproof and do not discolor. The white etching paper gives the prints a velvety appearance. After printing, the facsimile is thoroughly inspected and hand-retouched if necessary with Faber Castel graphite pencils.

Certificate of authenticity and packaching

Once the facsimile giclée print is approved, it is embossed, numbered, and issued with a certificate of authenticity, ready to take its place on the wall, in the gallery, or in an art collection.

Testimonal and Customer Experience

Prints safely delivered ... and magnificently packed. I am overjoyed. Many thanks indeed. With kind regards, John

Later, our customer expanded on their delightful perspective, providing further insight.

“In an ideal scenario where luxury knows no bounds, one might opt out of purchasing a top-of-the-line Mercedes car and, instead, invest in something truly special.

Picture this: a rare copy of Elliot’s Cats surfaces at an auction, and the funds earmarked for the car are redirected towards acquiring this literary gem. One can only hope for a pristine edition, untouched by time. Yet, even if such luxury eludes you, there’s no need for despair.

Today, impeccable facsimiles of Elliot’s mesmerizing plates are readily available, either individually or as a complete collection. It’s these intricately reproduced illustrations, not just the text, that capture the essence of Elliot’s The Family of the Cats. What’s more, being separate sheets, these facsimiles lend themselves beautifully to framing—an option that would require sacrilege to consider with the original, as dismantling the book would be akin to vandalism, a tragedy all too familiar in the world of prints.”

Behind the Scenes: Giclée Printing ‘Family of the Cats’ by Daniel Elliot

The process of creating a facsimile giclée

1. Digitalization of the Original in Teylers Museum

2. Retouching the Original

3. Proofing

4. Printing the Facsimile Giclée

Quality

Certificate of authenticity and packaching

Testimonal and Customer Experience

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