Limited edition art prints are copies of an original produced in a defined sequence.
A limited edition art print is a copy of an original piece of art that has been produced as part of a definite, immutable number of copies taken from the same plate, or impression, of the original. This number of copies cannot be exceeded. Limited edition art prints provide the opportunity to purchase art with a degree of exclusivity but at less cost than that of an original one-off work of art.
Definition
A limited edition art print is one that has been produced within a definite number of prints from a single source. This source will usually be a metal plate or wood block impression of an original piece of art, from which paper prints will be made by hand. The number of prints to be taken from this impression in a single print run is predetermined and cannot be changed under any circumstances. The number of prints in the run should be indicated on each art print. Usually, no more than 1,000 prints can be made from a plate before it becomes unusable.
Numbering
The primary means of recognizing a limited edition art print is to look for numbering, which will usually be handwritten and appear in the bottom right-hand corner on the front or the reverse of a print. A set number of prints to be made from an original impression will be decided upon, and the number on each copy will indicate its position in the print run. So, for instance, a print numbered "36/100" indicates that it is the 36th print in a print run of 100. The lower the number, the higher the value as the former prints in a print run are considered to be of the best quality and the closest in appearance to the original, as the plate had not degraded when they were produced.
Signature
Another means of determining the authenticity of a limited edition art print is the presence of the artist's signature. This signature confers the artist's agreement to the print run and the quality of the prints produced. It usually appears in pencil and adds value to a limited edition art print.
Other Markings
There are markings other than the artist's signature and the numbering that can tell you about the art print, its origin, and its degree of exclusivity. The notation "A.P" indicates an artist's proofs, made prior to the print-run. These will be more valuable prints. The mark "H.C indicates a print made not primarily for sale, either because it was produced as a gift or has been altered. "P.P" indicates a print made for the printer whereas "BAT" shows the print was the master copy, printed as a comparison for all images in the print run to check that they come up to standard. All these notations establish a greater degree of rarity for a print and thus add value.
Variations
There are variations on the printmaking process that can lower the value of a print. These include lithography, which produces a machine-made copy, a serilith, made by using a series of screen prints to add different colors to a print, and reproduction prints, which are copies made by being photographed, photocopied, or hand-copied. These different methods should be indicated by the print's seller since each lowers the value of a limited edition art print.
Lifetime Edition
Another factor that affects the value of a limited edition art print is whether it is a "lifetime" or "posthumous" print. Lifetime prints are those produced when an artist is alive whereas posthumous prints are made after an artist's death. The former are considered more valuable since the artist would have been able to verify their quality and accuracy with regard to the original.
