Monday, November 18, 2002

Information on Art: Prints and Multiples Supportive information concerning a work of art can be contained elsewhere, such as on a museum's wall label, or it may be actually on the work of art itself. Fine art prints will often include written on the work itself, the title, artist signature, as well as a reference to how that individual piece relates to the whole. While many types of works of art may include a signature of the artist, having the title included is a bit more unusual. Having a notation on the piece to identify it as an individual piece, and how it relates to other pieces, is rarer still, and is typically only used when there are multiples Because of supply and demand, generally the fewer the pieces, the greater the value, it is important to give some idea as to how many pieces are available . Further, because each piece's quality may vary a note can be made as to the quality of this individual piece. Limited Edition: The number of individual works is fixed, and others will not be created in this editon. Often shown by a notation similar to 22/100 where this is print 22 out of 100. Open Edition: The number of prints is not set. Often shown by a notation similar to: 22. Where this is print 22 out of as many as we'd like to make in the future. Artist Proof: Individual prints not included in the edition, may be of an unknown total quantity but for the Artist's personal use. Often notated by: "AP". It may be numbered with Roman Numerals II/XX. Trial Proof: Prints used in the process of coming up with the final print. Noted by the letters P/E Printer's Proof: Individual prints for the printer's use. Hors de Commerce: A print that was a gift or unsuitable for selling. Noted by the letters H/C in the margin. Artist Final proof (bon à tirer): The best proof which all others must meet in order to be acceptable. (I did not see what the notation is customary for this.) Other information is also associated with prints and may be found on them: Countersign: Where someone in addition to the artist signs the work- perhaps someone famous. Remarque: Where the artist creates an additional work, either on the print itself or one a separate piece of paper to go along with the print. Certificate of Authenticity is a separate sheet of paper that may include: Total number in the edition The numbr of this print The workshop and who did the actual printing Date of printing technique used (Thanks to FrameMakers inc, and World Printmakers) There are additonal ways to provide unique editions, note them on the art itself, and increase its value. For example, Thomas Kinkade has come up with some interesting ones: Gallery Proof: Noted with a gold remarque and the letters G/P, designate prints that are sold only though selected Thomas Kinkade Galleries. Renaissance Edition: Noted by the lettters R/E, was created in a way to show textured brush strokes and has been retouched by one of Thomas Kinkade's assistants. Studio Proof: Noted by the letters S/P, was created in a way to show textured brush strokes, finished in oil by an assistant, highlighted and signed by Thomas Kinkade himself. Pottery has also been a part in all of this. The Franklin Mint's plates are individually hand numbered, include the artist name, and may be also be of a limited edition. One way they limit the number is by the number of days they are willing to fire, or manufacture, the work. (For example a Limited Edition of just 45 firing days. 10:43:47 PM