How big are the Currier and Ives prints?
It is certainly true that most Currier & Ives prints were done either in a “small folio” size of about 8 1/2 x 12 1/2 or in a very large size, bigger than about 14 by 20, but really it is simply a convention to put all the prints into these four categories.
Why did Currier and Ives use different stones?
There is also the fact that Currier & Ives are known to have used different stones to make the same print. In order to be able to run off a lot of the prints, they would sometimes have two or more stones of the same image going at the same time.
When did the Currier and Ives Check list come out?
An Illustrated Check List gives the sizes in this way. Ever since it was first issued in 1949, this work lists the sizes of Currier & Ives prints (where they are given-—not all prints have their size indicated) “exclusive of margins.”
How can you tell if a reproduction of Currier and Ives is the same size?
One of the most common ways to spot a Currier & Ives reproduction is that the size is wrong. While there are some reproductions that are made to the same size as the originals, by far most Currier & Ives copies are the wrong size.
The images were printed onto thick, woven light-colored papers. Currier & Ives produced large (14 x 20 inches or larger), medium 10 x 14 inches to 14 x 20 inches) and small (8 x 12 inches) format prints. If your print is a different size, then you may have a reproduction or your original print has been cut down or otherwise altered.
What did Currier and Ives do for a living?
The Currier & Ives firm was in the business of producing lithographed prints intended to be sold to the general public for framing and display in the home or at work.
When did Currier and Ives change their name?
“Currier & Ives” was the name used by a New York printmaking firm from 1857 until 1907. This business had been in operation since 1834, first as Stodart & Currier (1834) and then as N. Currier (1835 to 1856). Though the name changed, all the prints produced by this firm are usually referred to as “Currier & Ives prints.”
When did Nathaniel Currier and James Ives die?
Nathaniel Currier retired in 1880 and died in 1888 and James Ives died in 1895. The firm, under the direction of their sons, Edward West Currier and Chauncey Ives, carried on until 1907.
It is certainly true that most Currier & Ives prints were done either in a “small folio” size of about 8 1/2 x 12 1/2 or in a very large size, bigger than about 14 by 20, but really it is simply a convention to put all the prints into these four categories.
There is also the fact that Currier & Ives are known to have used different stones to make the same print. In order to be able to run off a lot of the prints, they would sometimes have two or more stones of the same image going at the same time.
Where can I find Currier and Ives catalog number?
Occasionally, a New York street address (which changed several times over the life of the firm) Sometimes, an old-style copyright notice (“entered according to Act of Congress” and a date). There may also be a number at the bottom which is a Currier & Ives’ catalog number. A very few prints also carry the original artist’s name.
An Illustrated Check List gives the sizes in this way. Ever since it was first issued in 1949, this work lists the sizes of Currier & Ives prints (where they are given-—not all prints have their size indicated) “exclusive of margins.”
Occasionally, a New York street address (which changed several times over the life of the firm) Sometimes, an old-style copyright notice (“entered according to Act of Congress” and a date). There may also be a number at the bottom which is a Currier & Ives’ catalog number. A very few prints also carry the original artist’s name.
Where can I find missing Currier and Ives pieces?
I found the missing pieces on Ebay, some with the stamp and some without – all purporting to be Currier and Ives. Replacement pieces, both with and without the mark, are being sold for about the some amount of money. So, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
One of the most common ways to spot a Currier & Ives reproduction is that the size is wrong. While there are some reproductions that are made to the same size as the originals, by far most Currier & Ives copies are the wrong size.
