The word "giclée" (pronounced zhee-KLAY) was coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne to describe a new category of fine art printing that was revolutionizing the art world.
Origins in the 1980s
The technology behind giclée printing emerged from Iris inkjet printers, originally designed for commercial proofing. Fine art printmakers discovered that these high-resolution printers could produce reproductions with color accuracy and detail that rivaled traditional lithography.
The Name
Duganne derived "giclée" from the French word "gicler" (to spray or squirt), reflecting the inkjet process. The term distinguished fine art prints from commercial reproductions and established a quality standard.
Modern Giclée Printing
Today's giclée printers use 8-12 archival pigment-based ink cartridges, achieving color gamuts that exceed traditional printing methods. Resolution ranges from 1440 to 2880 DPI, producing prints with microscopic detail.
Why It Matters for Collectors
Giclée printing democratized fine art collecting. Museum-quality reproductions are now accessible at a fraction of the cost of originals, while maintaining the archival standards that ensure long-term value.
