Fine Art Prints vs. Printed Reproductions

Some people are concerned about the term ´original´ as it pertains to a multiple like a print. Cast sculptures created from a mold have, for centuries, been considered originals. Fine Art Limited Edition prints are also viewed this manner. Originality has to do with intent and execution. An original print is one that the artist, from conception, intended to produce as a print and did so using the finest materials available. The print is produced only in limited numbers. When an artist chooses to have an existing original painting or drawing made into a print and editioned, that print is considered a reproduction of the original, and therefore not an original itself. Printed reproductions are generally run in large editions for a mass market. When you see the term Limited Edition applied to editions numbering 500 to 1000 and above, the term ´limited´ has certainly been stretched, and you can be assured the print was produced on a high-speed offset press. A Fine Art Limited Edition generally numbers between 10 and 200, and is produced by hand on flatbed presses. For a complete list of printmaking terms, go to ARTinaClick.com