Of Art Reproductions and Authenticity

Artist's Proof, Limited Editions, Certificates of Authenticity.  What does it all really mean? As an art or sculpture purchaser, you will want to know what you are buying and proof that the print or reproduction you are buying is worth something.  Here are some answers.  

These are general answers and descriptions and may differ between artists, so be sure to ask how they interpret these terms.  On a side note, since nearly all printing is digital today, it tends to render the Artist's Proof tradition moot, however, it is still carried on in the art world.

Artist's Proof

An Artist's Proof (aka A.P. or AP or A/P) is a proof print that is part of the process of refining the reproduction of an etching, or other printmaking image, a photograph, or fine art reproduction, in preparation for a limited edition print run. They are also found in sculpture editions, such as bronze. These proofs are not considered part of the final limited edition run, but should not exceed ten percent of the final run quantity. If you have a limited edition of 100, then ten A/P's is the limit.  You will need to check your state for the laws concerning Artists Proofs, but that is what I have found to be the norm.  

Some say that an Artist's Proof is more valuable, as in the past they were the richer, more refined prints when printing etchings and other intaglio art forms.  Often they are saved by the artist, or given away, sometimes they are sold.

Limited Edition

A limited edition is an edition of identical prints that are numbered in order and signed by the artist.  The top number is the number of that particular print in sequence, and the bottom number is the limited quantity.  So, a print numbered a 10/50 is the tenth print created in an edition of 50 maximum prints of that image. It is said that the lower numbers are more valuable, so many artists will save those, generally prints numbered 1 through 9.

There are several approaches to limited editions of one image. Some assign a limit number of prints and include in that limit any size print they may print or that the customer wants.  Other artists have several limited editions for one image—each size and or media (paper type) has its own limited edition.  The choice is up to the artist. 

In the past, the plate from which the prints were run was destroyed after the limit was met, but that is not true today. 

Certificate of Authenticity

Often the artist will include a Certificate of Authenticity (Cert.), noting the quality of the paper and inks, who printed it, the original image medium and size, the limited edition number, and the artist's signature. 

Now you will be in-the-know the next time you shop for art!   

Here are few sample Certs: