Original prints
Works created for a printmaking process, such as lithography, etching or screenprinting. They may exist in multiple impressions; edition, printer and date are part of their identity. An original print need not be unique.
Learn to read a listing
The image is the beginning.
The edition tells its story.
An accurate description connects what you see with the impression you acquire. These details help you choose with care.
Authorized limited editions
Editions based on an artist’s image with documented authorization and a limited print run. They are identified by publisher, date and edition characteristics.
Posters and other editions
An exhibition poster, a book edition or a reprint has its own context. The listing describes the impression’s technique and date alongside the image it represents.
The details that make a difference
| What to look at | What it helps you understand |
|---|---|
| Image and edition dates | A composition from 1932 may have been printed later. The two dates describe different facts. |
| Technique, paper and dimensions | The printmaking process, support and size help identify the edition. |
| Signature | Handwritten, printed and plate signatures are different characteristics. A signature alone does not authenticate a work. |
| Edition size and numbering | The impression number and total edition size, where present. Artist proofs or variants may also exist. |
| Publisher and documentation | Identify who published the edition and which documents support the impression’s description. |
| Provenance and condition | The documented history and current condition of the piece help compare equivalent impressions. |