The art is really REALLY clear and beautiful in real life and very detailed. They are laminated and glossy. It has a sharp laminated edge around it, which I personally don't mind, but be aware of that. They were rolled up and we spent a couple of days with heavy books on them, but they still insist on curling a bit. So if you want them completely flat follow the instructions on the sheet they send oh how to roll them up Warm cloth should help a lot. I didn't just because I'm lazy.