Frequently Asked Questions
about Art Terminology and
Caring for your Artwork
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Q) What is a limited edition print?
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A.
A limited edition print is a duplicate of an original painting that is limited in the number of reproductions. Once the specified number of prints have been produced on the printing press, the printing plates are destroyed to ensure that no more copies will be printed.
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Q) How can I tell if I have a limited edition print?
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A.
A limited edition print is numbered and signed in pencil by the artist. The usual format for numbering is the number of the print followed by the total number of prints in the edition. For instance if you purchased the fifteenth print produced of a total production run of 395 the number on the print will read 15/395. Pencil is used to sign and number a limited edition print because pencil lead is extremely more difficult to reproduce than ink.
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Q) What is an Artist Proof?
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A.
The artist usually receives the first prints run off the printing press as payment for the rights to the original artwork. Typically the total number of artist proofs will not exceed 10% of the number of limited edition prints produced.
As with limited edition prints, artist proofs are similarily numbered based on the total number of artist proofs but will have the words Artist Proof or just the letters AP before the edition number and will read AP 21/40.
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Q) What is a Remarque?
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A.
Sometimes, an artist may draw a small original sketch or drawing in the border outside the image area of a limited edition print. This is called a "remarque" and generally increases the value of the limited edition print.
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Q) How can I protect my limited edition print?
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A.
You should not hang your limited edition print in direct sunlight and it is best to avoid fluorescent lighting if possible. For best protection from harmful elements use conservation framing methods.
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Q) What is Conservation framing?
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A.
Your limited edition print is valuable and should be protected from harmful influences. Conservation framing will protect your valuable limited edition prints from harmful natural and chemical environmental influences.
Conservation framing utilizes the highest quality materials designed to protect paper art. Special techniques and procedures are used when framing the artwork. No processes are used that are not reversible, ensuring that the artwork can be restored to it's original state.
Protection is accomplished by using acid free matting materials, UV glass and professional framing methods.
This FAQ is supplied as a brief overview of terms and techniques used in the art world. For more information please consult a professional framing shop or art gallery. |
