CURATORS INTEL – Here’s the art lingo you need to know!
We often detail alongside the artwork the type of format its produced in, and sometimes we know this can be tricky to understand, so here’s a breakdown of the type of work we sell and what you should look out for.
Screen Print
A screen print is created by pushing ink through a fine mesh screen onto paper, with each colour applied separately. This technique produces bold, vibrant results and has been embraced by artists such as Peter Blake and Eduardo Paolozzi.
Edition Number
Most limited-edition prints are marked with a fraction, such as 27/150. The first number identifies the individual print, while the second indicates the total size of the edition. Although lower numbers are not necessarily more valuable, the numbering confirms the print’s place within a finite edition.
Lithograph
A lithograph is a print created from an original drawing made on a flat stone or metal plate. Unlike a standard reproduction, it is regarded as an original artistic medium in its own right, with each print produced from the artist’s original design. Many renowned artists, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Marc Chagall, worked extensively with lithography.
Giclée
Pronounced ‘zhee-clay’, a giclée is a high-quality fine art print produced using specialist printers and archival inks. The process is valued for its exceptional colour accuracy and longevity, making it a popular choice for artists and galleries seeking to reproduce original works without compromising on detail.
Limited Edition
A limited-edition print is produced in a fixed quantity, meaning only a predetermined number of copies will ever be made. Once the edition has sold out, no further prints can be produced, which can increase its appeal to collectors. In general, the smaller the edition, the rarer the print is likely to be.
Open Edition
Unlike a limited edition, an open-edition print can be reproduced without limitation. While these works are often more affordable and accessible, they do not offer the same sense of exclusivity and scarcity that many collectors value.
Artist’s Proof (AP)
Artist’s proofs are prints produced in addition to the main edition and were traditionally used by artists to check colour, quality and overall appearance before the final run. Today, they are often released for sale in small numbers and can be particularly sought after due to their rarity.
Etching
Etching is a traditional printmaking technique in which an image is drawn onto a metal plate using acid. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, creating detailed and often highly textured prints that are valued for their craftsmanship and character.
Original Print
An original print is conceived by the artist specifically as a printmaking work, rather than as a reproduction of an existing painting or drawing. Although multiple impressions may be produced, the print itself is considered an original work of art.
Reproduction Print
A reproduction print is a replica of an existing artwork, photograph, or illustration. While reproduction prints offer an accessible way to enjoy a favourite image, they are typically valued differently from original prints that were created or authorised by the artist as part of the artistic process.
Archival
Archival materials are specifically designed for longevity. Archival-quality paper, inks, and framing components help protect artworks from fading, yellowing, and deterioration, ensuring they retain their appearance and integrity for many years.
Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document that confirms the legitimacy of an artwork. Issued by an artist, gallery, publisher, or authorised representative, it provides key information about the piece and can offer buyers added confidence in its authenticity.
Provenance
Provenance refers to the recorded history of an artwork’s ownership. By documenting where a work has been and who has owned it over time, provenance can help verify authenticity and, in some cases, enhance the artwork’s value and significance.
Contemporary Art
Contemporary art generally describes work created by living artists or art produced from the late twentieth century to the present day. Encompassing a wide range of mediums and practices, it includes painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, and digital art.
This is also a great article in the Guardian with further info on buying artwork.