Glossary

10.3 Artist's proofs

6 min read•august 21, 2024

are unique prints created during the process, serving as test impressions and reference points. They allow artists to evaluate and adjust their work, ensuring the final meets their vision. These proofs often feature distinctive characteristics, making them valuable to collectors.

Originating in the 15th century, artist's proofs have evolved from working proofs to a recognized category of prints. The creation process involves careful material selection and meticulous attention to detail. Various types of proofs exist, each playing a crucial role in refining the artist's vision.

Definition of artist's proofs

  • Unique prints created by artists during the printmaking process serve as test impressions and reference points
  • Represent an integral part of the creative journey in printmaking allowing artists to refine their work
  • Often considered more valuable than regular edition prints due to their rarity and direct connection to the artist's process

Purpose and significance

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  • Allow artists to evaluate and adjust their work throughout the printmaking process
  • Serve as a quality control measure ensuring the final edition meets the artist's vision
  • Provide artists with personal copies to keep or gift enhancing the print's exclusivity
  • Often feature unique characteristics or variations not present in the final edition

Historical context

  • Originated in the 15th century with the rise of printmaking as an art form
  • Initially used as working proofs for artists to refine their techniques and compositions
  • Evolved into a recognized category of prints with distinct value in the art market
  • Gained prominence in the 20th century as collectors began to appreciate their unique qualities

Creation process

  • Involves careful selection of materials including high-quality paper and inks
  • Requires meticulous attention to detail throughout the printing process
  • Incorporates various printmaking techniques (, , lithography, )

Selection criteria

  • Artists choose proofs based on their technical quality and aesthetic appeal
  • Consider factors such as color balance ink saturation and overall composition
  • May select proofs that showcase unique variations or "happy accidents" during printing
  • Often involve collaboration with master printers to achieve desired results

Numbering conventions

  • Typically marked as "A/P" or "E/A" (épreuve d'artiste in French) to distinguish from edition prints
  • Usually limited to 10-15% of the total edition size
  • May be numbered using Roman numerals (I/IV II/IV etc.) or fractions (1/4 2/4 etc.)
  • Some artists choose to leave artist's proofs unnumbered for added exclusivity

Types of artist's proofs

  • Encompass various stages of the printmaking process reflecting different purposes and characteristics
  • Play crucial roles in refining and finalizing the artist's vision for the print edition

State proofs

  • Represent different stages or "states" of the printmaking process
  • Show the evolution of the image as the artist makes changes to the printing plate or matrix
  • Often numbered chronologically (1st state 2nd state etc.) to track the progression
  • Valuable to collectors and scholars for understanding the artist's creative process

Bon à tirer proofs

  • Translates to "good to pull" in French signifying the final approved version
  • Serve as the standard for the entire edition ensuring consistency in quality
  • Usually signed and marked "BAT" by the artist
  • Often retained by the printer as a reference for producing the edition

Hors commerce proofs

  • Means "outside of commerce" in French indicating they are not intended for sale
  • Often used for exhibition purposes or as gifts to museums galleries or collaborators
  • May have unique characteristics or variations from the main edition
  • Typically marked "H.C." and numbered separately from the regular edition

Differences from edition prints

  • Artist's proofs often exhibit subtle variations in color texture or composition
  • May feature experimental techniques or materials not used in the final edition
  • Generally produced in smaller quantities increasing their rarity and value

Quality considerations

  • Artist's proofs often receive extra attention and care during the printing process
  • May feature higher quality paper or inks than the regular edition
  • Sometimes include hand-touched elements or unique embellishments by the artist
  • Can showcase the full potential of the print before any degradation of the printing matrix

Rarity factors

  • Limited availability compared to regular edition prints increases desirability
  • Often feature unique characteristics or variations not present in the edition
  • May include earlier states or experimental versions of the final image
  • Scarcity can lead to higher market values and collector interest

Collecting artist's proofs

  • Requires knowledge of printmaking techniques and artist's working methods
  • Offers opportunities to acquire rare and potentially more valuable artworks
  • Involves understanding the nuances of different types of artist's proofs

Market value

  • Generally command higher prices than regular edition prints due to their rarity
  • Value influenced by factors such as artist reputation print quality and provenance
  • Can appreciate significantly over time especially for well-known artists
  • May fluctuate based on current market trends and collector preferences

Authentication methods

  • Involve examining signatures and any specific markings
  • Require knowledge of the artist's typical proof notations and numbering systems
  • May include consulting print catalogues raisonnés or expert appraisers
  • Sometimes utilize scientific methods (paper analysis ink composition) for verification
  • Involve complex issues surrounding ownership reproduction rights and fair use
  • Require understanding of international copyright laws and artistic property rights
  • Artist's proofs generally fall under the same copyright protection as edition prints
  • Reproduction rights typically remain with the artist unless explicitly transferred
  • Fair use exceptions may apply for educational or scholarly purposes
  • Digital reproductions raise new questions about copyright in the online sphere
  • Vary in their approach to exhibiting and selling artist's proofs
  • May have specific guidelines for displaying proofs alongside edition prints
  • Often require detailed provenance and authentication documentation
  • Some institutions prioritize acquiring artist's proofs for their historical significance

Artist's proofs in digital age

  • Adapt traditional concepts of to new digital printing technologies
  • Present challenges in defining and authenticating

Digital vs traditional proofs

  • Digital proofs often involve test prints from high-quality inkjet or giclée printers
  • May include screen-based proofs for digital artworks or NFTs
  • Require new considerations for editioning and authenticity in the digital realm
  • Often blur the lines between original artworks and reproductions

Blockchain authentication

  • Utilizes blockchain technology to create immutable records of digital artworks
  • Provides a new method for verifying the authenticity and ownership of digital proofs
  • Allows for tracking the provenance and transfer history of digital artist's proofs
  • Raises questions about the nature of scarcity and value in digital art

Conservation and preservation

  • Crucial for maintaining the value and integrity of artist's proofs over time
  • Requires specialized knowledge of different printmaking techniques and materials

Storage requirements

  • Necessitate acid-free archival-quality materials for long-term preservation
  • Involve controlling environmental factors (temperature humidity light exposure)
  • May require custom storage solutions for oversized or unconventional proofs
  • Often include using protective sleeves or mats to prevent direct contact

Handling techniques

  • Demand clean dry hands or use of white cotton gloves to prevent oils and dirt transfer
  • Involve supporting prints properly when moving or examining them
  • Require careful consideration of display methods to minimize light and environmental damage
  • May include periodic condition assessments by conservation professionals

Notable examples in art history

  • Showcase the significance of artist's proofs in the development of printmaking
  • Highlight the unique qualities and historical importance of specific proofs

Famous artist's proofs

  • Include Rembrandt's rare state proofs showcasing his experimental etching techniques
  • Feature Pablo Picasso's proofs often containing hand-colored elements or unique variations
  • Encompass Andy Warhol's trial proofs exploring different color combinations in his screenprints
  • Showcase Jasper Johns' proofs demonstrating his meticulous approach to printmaking

Auction records

  • Highlight the high values achieved by artist's proofs in the art market
  • Include record-breaking sales such as Edvard Munch's "The Scream" artist's proof
  • Demonstrate the increasing collector interest in proofs from contemporary artists
  • Reflect the impact of provenance and rarity on auction prices for artist's proofs

Key Terms to Review (24)

Artist's proofs: Artist's proofs are special editions of prints that are typically made in small quantities, often fewer than the main edition, and are retained by the artist as a personal collection. These proofs allow artists to evaluate their work and make adjustments before the final edition is printed. They serve not only as a way for artists to maintain a connection to their work but also can have significant value for collectors due to their limited availability.
Authentication methods: Authentication methods are techniques used to verify the identity of an artist or the authenticity of their work. In printmaking, these methods help to establish provenance and ensure that a piece is an original work by the specified artist. Understanding these methods is crucial for collectors, galleries, and institutions as they confirm the value and integrity of art pieces, particularly in relation to limited editions and artist's proofs.
Blockchain authentication: Blockchain authentication is a security process that uses blockchain technology to verify and validate the authenticity of digital assets and transactions. This method provides a decentralized and tamper-proof way to ensure that information, such as the provenance of an artwork or the legitimacy of an artist's proof, cannot be altered or forged. By leveraging cryptographic techniques and a distributed ledger, blockchain authentication enhances trust in the authenticity of artworks and other creative outputs.
Bon à tirer proofs: Bon à tirer proofs, often abbreviated as BAT proofs, are final prints that an artist approves as the definitive version of a work before it goes into an edition. These proofs serve as a benchmark for the quality and appearance of subsequent prints, ensuring that they meet the artist's standards. They are critical in the printmaking process as they represent the final opportunity for the artist to make adjustments or corrections before the actual edition is produced.
Color proof: A color proof is a test print that shows how colors will appear in the final printmaking process. This proof allows artists to evaluate the accuracy of color and tonal adjustments before committing to the final production, ensuring that the visual outcome meets their artistic intentions. It serves as a crucial step in printmaking, especially for techniques that involve layering and color registration.
Contemporary art prints: Contemporary art prints refer to prints created by artists working in the present day, utilizing modern techniques and concepts that often challenge traditional notions of art. These prints can encompass a wide range of styles and methods, reflecting the diverse perspectives and technologies of current artistic practice. They often serve as a medium for artists to express their thoughts on society, culture, and personal experiences.
Copyright Issues: Copyright issues refer to the legal challenges and considerations surrounding the protection of original works of authorship, including visual arts, literature, and music. These issues are crucial for artists as they navigate the rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their creations, while also protecting against unauthorized use or infringement by others. Understanding copyright issues is essential for managing artist's proofs and ensuring that artists maintain control over their work's integrity and distribution.
Digital artist's proofs: Digital artist's proofs are unique test prints created by an artist during the process of producing digital prints. These proofs serve as a way for artists to evaluate colors, composition, and overall appearance before the final edition is printed. This practice allows artists to make adjustments to ensure the artwork meets their standards and intentions.
Drypoint: Drypoint is a printmaking technique that involves incising a design onto a plate with a hard-pointed needle or another sharp object, creating raised lines that hold ink. This method produces distinctive, rich textures and a unique quality to the prints, often characterized by soft, velvety lines. Drypoint shares similarities with other intaglio techniques, enhancing the depth of artistic expression and versatility in printmaking.
Edition: An edition refers to a set of prints produced from the same plate or matrix, indicating that each print in the set is identical and part of a limited number. The concept of an edition is crucial in printmaking, as it involves producing multiple copies of a work while ensuring consistency in quality and appearance across all prints. Each edition can vary in size and may include additional distinctions, such as artist's proofs or numbered prints.
Hors commerce proofs: Hors commerce proofs, often abbreviated as H.C. proofs, are prints that are not intended for commercial sale and are usually reserved for the artist, friends, or collaborators. These proofs serve as a way for the artist to assess the quality of their work or to keep as personal records, highlighting their connection to the creative process and the final artwork. Unlike regular editions, which are sold to collectors or the public, hors commerce proofs are more exclusive and often valued for their unique status.
Intaglio: Intaglio is a printmaking technique where an image is incised into a surface, usually a metal plate, allowing ink to be held in the recessed lines or areas. This method has played a vital role in the history of printmaking, especially in creating detailed artworks and illustrations, and connects to various historical advancements and practices.
Market Value: Market value refers to the price that an artwork can fetch in the marketplace, determined by factors like demand, scarcity, and the artist's reputation. This value can fluctuate based on trends and public interest, making it essential for artists and collectors to understand the dynamics of the art market. The concept is especially relevant for prints, as the distinction between artist's proofs and regular editions can significantly impact their market value.
Numbering: Numbering in printmaking refers to the system used to identify the edition of a print, indicating how many copies exist and which copy a particular print is. This practice not only establishes the uniqueness of each print within an edition but also enhances the value of the artwork by providing transparency about its scarcity. Typically, the numbering includes the total number of prints created, and it often denotes artist's proofs, which are special prints reserved for the artist.
Printing ink: Printing ink is a colored paste used in the printing process to transfer images and text onto surfaces, such as paper or fabric. It comes in various types and formulations, each suited for different printing techniques, including linocut and monoprinting. The choice of printing ink affects the final appearance, texture, and durability of the printed work.
Printmaking: Printmaking is the artistic process of creating artworks by transferring images or designs from a matrix onto another surface, usually paper or fabric. This technique encompasses various methods like relief, intaglio, lithography, and screen printing, allowing artists to produce multiple copies of a single design while retaining unique qualities. Each print can reveal subtle differences, making printmaking a fascinating blend of reproducibility and individual expression.
Printmaking paper: Printmaking paper is a specialized type of paper designed to hold and transfer ink during various printmaking processes. It is often thicker and more absorbent than standard paper, allowing for clearer impressions and vibrant colors. The characteristics of printmaking paper can greatly influence the final outcome of a print, making it a crucial element in the art of printmaking.
Proofing: Proofing refers to the process of creating a trial print or test image to assess the quality and effectiveness of a print before making the final edition. It is an essential part of printmaking, allowing artists to evaluate design elements, color choices, and overall composition, ensuring that their vision is accurately conveyed in the final work.
Registration: Registration in printmaking refers to the precise alignment of multiple prints or colors on a single sheet of paper to ensure that every layer fits perfectly. Accurate registration is crucial for achieving clarity and coherence in the final artwork, especially when using multiple blocks, plates, or screens in the printing process.
Relief: Relief is a printmaking technique where the image is created on a raised surface, allowing the artist to transfer ink onto paper by pressing the raised areas. This method distinguishes itself from other printmaking techniques, as it relies on the contrast between the elevated design and the recessed background, creating bold and impactful images. Relief prints can vary in style and complexity, offering artists a unique way to express their creativity through layers of texture and depth.
Renaissance prints: Renaissance prints refer to the innovative printmaking techniques and artworks that emerged during the Renaissance period, roughly spanning the 14th to the 17th centuries. This era marked a significant transformation in art, as printmaking allowed for the mass production and distribution of images, thereby enhancing access to art and ideas. These prints played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time, allowing artists to reach broader audiences while exploring themes of humanism, nature, and classical antiquity.
Screen printing: Screen printing is a versatile printmaking technique that involves forcing ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate, allowing for the creation of bold and vibrant images. This method can be adapted for both fine art and commercial purposes, making it a popular choice among artists and designers alike.
Signature: In printmaking, a signature refers to a specific group of prints that are folded and collected together, usually representing the number of impressions taken from a particular plate or block. This term is essential in understanding the organization of editions and the artist's intent, as each signature typically corresponds to the total number of prints that will be made from that original work, which can include open editions, artist's proofs, and limited editions.
State proof: A state proof is a print made during the process of creating an edition, which reflects a specific stage of development in a printmaker's work. These proofs are essential for artists to evaluate the quality, composition, and overall appearance of their prints before the final edition is produced. State proofs help in refining techniques and making adjustments, ensuring that the final product meets the artist's vision.
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