What is that word again?
In short, Giclée (pronounced "zhee-clay") is a fine art print that is a precise reproduction of an artist's painting with the qualities of an original. The word comes from the French verb gicler meaning "to squirt, to spray". It was first applied, in the early 1990s, to prints made by Scitex’s “Iris Model Four” – a commercial printer designed to preview what a print will look like before mass production begins.

The term, sometimes anglicized as giclee, is used to describe any high-resolution, large-format ink-jet printer output with fade-resistant dye- or pigment-based inks.

Giclée verses Lithography
It is common for these printers to have the highest apparent resolution available today -- as high as 1,800 dpi (dot per inch) – which is higher than lithographs. In addition, they use between six and twelve colors inks which results in color range that exceeds that of serigraphy.

Conclusions
Though originally intended for proofing, giclée prints have gained wide acceptance from many artists, photographers and galleries throughout the world. And the use of ink-jet printers, as an alternative to lithography, serigraphy or serilith for both limited edition original prints and reproductions, gained acceptance with it.

Bottom line
From this fusion of art and science emerged the giclée fine art print - a precise reproduction of an artist's painting with the qualities of an original.

The series of The 12 Jewish Festivals and Holy Days by Michal Meron are offered in a Giclée format.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this, and that  your necklace of knowledge is one bead longer than it was before you read this page.

Kathy Bareket
Sabra Originals