How much is a framed Morisot print—and what determines the price?

Print method: offset lithograph vs. archival giclée

Offset lithographs, mass-produced for commercial use, typically cost $80–$200 unframed. These are printed on 150–200 gsm paper with dye-based inks, which fade faster under UV exposure. Archival giclée prints, using pigment-based inks on 250–310 gsm cotton-rag, start at $180–$450 unframed for standard sizes. The MoMA defines giclée as the highest-resolution inkjet process, with color accuracy exceeding traditional lithography.

For collectors, the Fine Art Trade Guild recommends giclée for longevity—properly stored, pigment inks retain fidelity for 100+ years, versus 10–20 years for dye-based lithographs. A 50x70 cm (20x28 in) Morisot giclée on Hahnemühle Photo Rag (308 gsm) averages $380–$500; the same size as an offset lithograph would cost $120–$180.

Paper and finish: matte vs. glossy for family homes

Matte finishes (cotton-rag or alpha-cellulose) diffuse light, reducing glare in brightly lit rooms. A 310 gsm matte giclée print adds $50–$120 to the base cost compared to glossy photo paper. Glossy finishes enhance color saturation but show fingerprints and require UV-protective glazing in sunlit spaces. The American Institute for Conservation notes matte papers are preferable for long-term display in fluctuating humidity.

For a family home, a matte Morisot print on 300 gsm cotton-rag with a subtle texture (e.g., Canson Infinity Rag Photographique) balances durability and aesthetic. Expect to pay $320–$480 for a 40x50 cm (16x20 in) print, versus $250–$350 for the same size on glossy 260 gsm RC paper.

Framing and glazing: conservation standards

Acid-free conservation matting and UV-protective glazing (e.g., Tru Vue Museum Glass) add $150–$400 to the total. A standard 50x70 cm (20x28 in) print framed in a 4 cm (1.6 in) wide solid wood profile with 8-ply mat and UV glazing costs $650–$950. Floating frames or shadow boxes increase this by 20–30%.

Hanging hardware and spacing matter: prints should hang at center height ~145–150 cm (57–60 in), with the bottom edge 15–20 cm (6–8 in) above furniture (per the two-thirds rule). A poorly framed print risks warping; the Fine Art Trade Guild specifies that conservation framing must use alkaline buffers to neutralize acidic emissions from wood or adhesives.

What you’re paying for—and what to avoid

The primary cost drivers are print permanence, material integrity, and framing craftsmanship. A $280 framed Morisot print likely uses an offset lithograph with a thin MDF frame and standard glass; a $950 print will be a giclée on cotton-rag, framed with archival matting and UV glazing. Avoid "decorative" frames with acidic backboards or prints labeled "enhanced" (a euphemism for digital sharpening).

For baby shower gifts, smaller giclée prints (20x25 cm / 8x10 in) on 250 gsm paper, framed simply, run $180–$250. Larger statement pieces (70x100 cm / 28x40 in) exceed $1,200 due to material and handling costs. The Tate’s Art Terms glossary emphasizes that print value correlates with edition size; open-edition Morisot reproductions depreciate faster than limited-run giclées.

Price comparison by size and specification

• 30x40 cm (12x16 in) offset lithograph, MDF frame, standard glass: $280–$350
• 40x50 cm (16x20 in) giclée on 310 gsm cotton-rag, matte finish, conservation frame: $600–$750
• 50x70 cm (20x28 in) giclée on 308 gsm Hahnemühle, UV glazing, wood frame: $850–$950
• 70x100 cm (28x40 in) giclée on 315 gsm rag, shadow box frame, museum glass: $1,200–$1,500