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What does signed and numbered, (s/n), mean? |
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Each print in a run is individually signed by the artist
and given a number specific to that print. For instance, a
print numbered 27 / 9500 would mean that it is print
#27 out of 9500 total prints.
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What is the difference between a limited edition and an open edition?
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When a print is produced as a limited edition there are a set number of prints created in that edition. Printing plates are then destroyed and no additional prints are produced from those plates. After the publisher sells the entire print run the edition is considered sold out. That print may then only be available through the secondary print market.
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What is meant by "Artist Proof" or A/P?
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In the early days of printing the plates used to apply inks to the paper would wear with each print produced. As the print process continued the plates would loose quality and sharpness and so the first prints off the press were of higher quality than the last. These first prints off the press would then be called "artist proofs."
With todays printing technology there is absolutely no difference between the first print and the last print off the press. An "artist proof" is exactly the same as the regular edition. Today this term is just a hold over from an old printing tradition.
Artist proofs are usually no more than 10% of a print run and are
numbered separately from the rest of the edition. Some collectors value these more
than the rest of the edition because there are theoretically less of these. At "Benson
Fine Art" we do produce artist proof editions since this is the only type of print
some collectors are interested in.
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Are Artist Proof prints worth more than regular edition prints? |
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Some collectors value these more than the rest of the edition because there are
theoretically less of these. Publishers generally charge more for these since they
are often the only prints remaining when the rest of the edition has sold out.
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What is the secondary market?
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A network of art galleries and print dealers. They may have access to sold out prints from either a customer reselling a print or from their existing inventory.
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How should I store my print?
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The best way to care for a print is to have it professionally framed and keep it out
of direct sunlight. If you are not going to frame your print right away it should be
stored in an acid free paper folder. Never store prints in cardboard.
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