Artist's Proofs (2024)

The initials ‘AP’ instead of a number at the bottom of an image means ‘artists’ proof’. With artists’ prints these are a necessary part of the production process, where proofs are taken until the artist is happy with the print. In the case of reproductions, artists’ proofs are a marketing device produced to satisfy demand from buyers who collect this type of print. In fact, the first proofs are identical with the rest of a run of reproductions. Ethical publishers declare the entire edition size, including all artists’ proofs, making it clear that, for example, 500 copies of the print plus 50 artists proofs were published, and that no other reproductions will be made.