Giclée (the French word "Giclée" meaning 'to spray', pronounced Zhee-clay) reproductions were originally developed in 1989. This is a plate-less method of fine art printing. Images are scanned and digitally stored in a computer. Each image is then sent individually to a high-resolution printer. Giclée reproductions resolution (dpi or dots per inch) provide incredible detail and the colors results are simply brilliant. The dpi of 1800 are actually higher than traditional lithography, which has a dpi of 300. This higher dpi allows the colors to be crisp and rich. Coupled with a resolution of 1800 dpi, the IRIS printer uses a continuous stream of minute ink droplets about the size of red blood cells to deposit the ink. Results are close to continuous tone prints and Giclée prints stand out because of their uncompromising fidelity and fineness of detail and graduation. When printed on archival art papers and canvas, the IRIS Giclée has the look and feel of original fine art.. Many art museums are including Giclée reproductions and are used by the Louvre Museum in Paris to substitute original works of art that are otherwise too fragile to exhibit. Many well-known artists, such as Robert Bateman, Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, Robert Rauschenburg and David Hockney are having Giclée reproductions. After extensive testing, and with Lyson prototype ink, your Giclée reproduction should last about 75 years before the color fading would be noticeable.