What does artist edition mean? (2024)

What does artist edition mean?

An edition is a copy or replica of a work of art made from a master. It commonly refers to a series of identical impressions or prints made from the same printing surface, but can also be applied to series of other media such as sculpture, photography and video.

Why do artists edition their prints?

The Value of Limited Edition Prints

Unlike mass-produced prints, limited edition prints are produced in a limited quantity, typically numbered and signed by the artist. This scarcity makes them highly sought after by collectors and can increase their value over time.

What is an artist's edition?

Artist's Edition is designed to print exactly the same dimension as the artwork papers that comic book artists usually use in their illustrations and also retaining the editorial notes and printing crop marks seen on the papers.

Are artist proofs worth buying?

Additionally, the initials AP will often be present to signify it being an artist's proof. Some artists will write these numbers in roman numerals, so they are easily distinguished by art collectors as artist's proofs instead of edition prints. Artist's proofs can be worth 20% to 50% more than any limited editions.

What is the difference between artist proof and regular edition?

In order to create an edition of prints, the matrix is used repeatedly to make multiple impressions of the image. An artist's proof is a print that is made using the same matrix as the regular edition but is set aside and marked as an artist's proof rather than being numbered and included in the main edition.

Are artist prints worth buying?

Ultimately, art prints are a great investment. They often have a higher residual value – higher than non-tangible assets. The art market resists economic uncertainty, remaining stable in difficult times. This means you can always sell your art prints for profit.

Is it worth buying artist prints?

Prints can also present the opportunity to own an authentic and iconic subject without a seven-figure price tag attached to it. Prints can also be a great way to get started — a way to acquaint yourself with styles and artists in the same mode as other mediums but at a different price point.

Is an artist print more valuable?

Even though they look completely the same as any other print form the same edition, since artist's proofs only make around 10% of the edition, they are considered to be more exclusive (and more valuable) than regular prints.

How can you tell if a print is an artist proof?

Artist's Proofs are exactly the same in terms of how they are printed, the colours, quality of printing, paper etc. Artists number them, often with Roman numerals and with the mark A/P. Artists sign them too, exactly the same as with the limited editions. There are not as many artists proofs released however.

Are artist proof prints worth more?

Artist proof prints can sometimes be worth more than regular prints, but it depends on the specific circ*mstances. Artist proofs are typically limited in number and are often signed and numbered by the artist, making them more desirable to collectors.

Why is an artist proof more expensive?

However, in the early days of printmaking, the artist's proof verified that the artwork had no faults from its very first print. However, artist's proof pieces are now an attractive investment for art collectors. This is because they are often the highest quality prints, and therefore regarded as rarer.

Can artist proof be sold?

Once an Artist Proof is made, the numbered edition is matched to that image and production of the editioned prints begins. By convention, artists are not meant to sell Artist Proofs, and normally keep them for their private collection or personal use, or gift them to museums and galleries.

Which is better artist proof or limited edition?

The most exclusive prints you can purchase are Artist Proof Prints. Artist Proof Prints are printed in even more limited quantities than Limited Edition prints, usually, only 10-15% of the quantity of Limited Edition Prints become Artist Proof Prints.

Are artist proofs legal?

Artist proofs however are not tournament legal. It is common for collectors to commission a drawing or painting on these blank backs to personalize and authenticate them.

What is a good number for limited edition prints?

How many editions? Generally speaking, for contemporary art to steadily increase in value the size of the edition is best kept low, perhaps between 10 and 50 editions. Higher limited editions are usually reserved for iconic works from highly collectible artists like Charles Blackman or John Olsen.

Are limited edition art prints worth money?

Limited editions are usually signed by the artist, which can help increase their value, particularly if the artist is famous. Some prints which are not limited editions are valuable, while some limited editions are out of fashion and are not sought after by collectors.

What does a P mean on a print?

Ok, lets start with A/P. A/P stands for 'Artist's proof' and is a small number of prints that are the first ones printed deemed good enough by the artist. Usually the number of A/Ps is about 10% of the size of the main edition, and this mini-edition can be numbered or not.

Are numbered prints worth anything?

Artists typically now number their prints so that collectors will know that this print edition is limited and that their print is part of the official edition. The numbering of a print does not in itself make that print any more or less valuable, but it does give collectors some important facts about the print.

What prints are worth money?

Why are artist prints so expensive?

One of the main reasons art prints are expensive is the cost of materials. High-quality paper, inks, and frames add to the cost of producing an art print. Additionally, some art prints are printed using specialized techniques such as giclée printing, which can add to the price.

What does HC mean on a painting?

H.C. stands for hors commerce, or “not to sell.” Similar to an artist's proof, this proof was set aside from the editioned prints. Often the H.C. impressions were used as exhibition copies, so that the works being sold were not over-handled or damaged.

Are canvas prints cheesy?

All this aside, canvas prints in and of themselves are not inherently tacky. They can elevate nearly every room in your home no matter the interior design.

What does PP mean on an art print?

A Printer's Proof (PP) is similar to an artist's proof. They were originally designed to monitor the progress of printing. They are a print or object that the manufacturer or printer receives as proof of their work.

What does AP mean on a painting?

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.

What does EA mean on a painting?

On a lithograph, "EA" means épreuve d'artiste. It indicates that the lithograph was an artist's proof. The printmaker likely produced it for their own collection or to test the printing process. "EA" prints were not meant to be sold or distributed to the public.