Editions & Proofs 

Print Editions, Proofs and Signatures

This section helps artists and galleries explain limited editions, proofs, signatures, and print documentation more professionally.

Understanding terms such as artist’s proof, trial proof, state, restrike, chop, blind stamp, and catalogue raisonné helps build collector confidence. When artists use the correct language, they sound more prepared, protect the value of their work, and make it easier for buyers to understand what they are purchasing.

Editions & Proofs

Artist’s Proof / A.P. / E.A

An Artist’s Proof, often marked A.P. or E.A. for épreuve d’artiste, is usually printed outside the regular numbered edition. It is generally the same quality as the editioned prints but reserved for the artist, publisher, or printer. Collectors often value artist’s proofs because they are fewer in number, but artists should still document how many exist.

Bon à Tirer

Bon à Tirer, often abbreviated BAT, means “good to pull” in French. It is the approved proof that serves as the standard for the final edition. Once the artist approves the Bon à Tirer, the printer uses it as the reference for color, quality, paper, and overall appearance. It is an important term in professional printmaking.

Printer’s Proof / P.P.

A Printer’s Proof, often marked P.P., is an impression reserved for the printer or print workshop. It is usually similar in quality to the regular edition but is not part of the numbered edition. Printer’s proofs acknowledge the technical role of the printer and should be clearly identified so collectors understand how they relate to the edition.

Trial Proof / T.P.

A Trial Proof, often marked T.P., is an experimental print made before the final edition is approved. It may differ in color, paper, composition, printing order, or image development. Trial proofs show the artist’s working process and may be unique. They should be documented carefully because they are not the same as regular edition impressions.

Progressive Proofs

Progressive proofs show the development of a print step by step, especially in multi-color printmaking. Each proof may show one color, one plate, or one stage of the image before the final version is complete. These proofs help artists and printers evaluate color, registration, and composition. For collectors, they reveal the process behind the finished print.

State

A state refers to a specific stage in the development of a print matrix, such as a plate, stone, block, or screen. If the artist changes the image, a new state may be created. Earlier and later states can look different. State information is important because it helps identify when an impression was printed in the artist’s process.

State Proof

A State Proof is a print pulled from a matrix at a particular stage before the final edition. It records the image before additional changes are made. State proofs are especially important in etching, engraving, lithography, and other traditional printmaking processes. They help document the artist’s development of the image and can be valuable to collectors.

Color Separations

Color separations are individual proofs or plates used to create each separate color in a multi-color print. In traditional printmaking, different colors may require different screens, stones, plates, or blocks. Reviewing color separations helps the artist and printer control the final image. They are important evidence of the technical planning behind a completed edition.

Cancellation Proof

A Cancellation Proof is printed after a plate, stone, block, or other matrix has been intentionally marked, crossed out, or damaged so no more regular impressions can be made. This proof shows that the edition has ended. Cancellation helps protect the integrity of a limited edition and reassures collectors that additional prints will not be produced.

Numbered Edition

A Numbered Edition is a print edition marked with an edition number, such as 12/100. The first number identifies the individual impression, and the second number identifies the total size of the edition.

Edition Timing & Authenticity

Restrike

A restrike is a print made from an existing matrix after the original edition has already been printed. Restrikes may be made years later and sometimes after the artist’s lifetime. They can be legitimate, but they should be clearly identified. Collectors need to know whether a print is from the original edition or a later restrike.

After

The word “after” means that a work was created based on another artist’s original image, painting, or drawing. It does not necessarily mean the artist personally made the print. For example, a print “after Picasso” may be based on a Picasso image but created by another hand or publisher. This distinction should be explained clearly.

Estate Edition

An Estate Edition is usually produced or authorized by the artist’s estate after the artist’s death. These editions may be printed from an existing matrix or based on approved artwork. Estate editions can be legitimate, but they should be clearly documented. Buyers should understand who authorized the edition, when it was produced, and how it differs from lifetime editions.

Posthumous Edition

A Posthumous Edition is an edition printed after the artist’s death. It may be authorized by heirs, an estate, a foundation, or a publisher. Posthumous editions can hold value, but they should not be confused with prints made during the artist’s lifetime. Proper documentation should explain when the edition was printed and who approved it.

Signature & Marking Terms

Signed Edition

A Signed Edition is a limited edition print that has been signed by the artist, usually in pencil in the lower margin. It is often also numbered, such as 12/100. A hand-signed edition gives collectors greater confidence because the artist personally approved the impression. Artists should sign consistently and document edition size carefully.

Plate Signed

A Plate Signed print contains the artist’s signature within the printed image or matrix. This is not the same as a hand-signed print. The signature was printed as part of the image. Plate signatures can still be important, especially in historic prints, but artists and sellers should clearly state that the work is plate signed.

Signature Location: l.r., l.l., u.r., u.l.

Signature location abbreviations help describe where a signature appears on a work. l.r. means lower right, l.l. means lower left, u.r. means upper right, and u.l. means upper left. These abbreviations are commonly used in cataloguing, certificates, and artwork descriptions. They help collectors and galleries document the work accurately.

Chop

A chop is an embossed or stamped mark used by a printer, publisher, studio, or workshop to identify where a print was produced. It may appear in the margin or on the paper. A chop can add useful documentation and help confirm the print’s origin. Collectors should understand that a chop is not the same as an artist’s signature.

Blind Stamp

A Blind Stamp is an embossed mark pressed into the paper without ink. It often identifies the printer, publisher, paper maker, or workshop. Because it is subtle, it may only be visible at an angle or under good light. Blind stamps are important in print documentation because they help verify production history and professional origin.

Remarque

A Remarque is a small drawing, sketch, or mark found in the margin of a print. Sometimes it is added by the artist as a special feature, and sometimes it appears during the proofing process. Remarques can make an impression more unusual or desirable. They should be described clearly in the artwork documentation.

Print Production & Documentation

Publisher

The Publisher is the person, company, gallery, or organization responsible for producing and distributing a print edition. The publisher may pay for production, coordinate the printer, work with the artist, and manage sales. Knowing the publisher can help collectors understand the edition’s history, quality, and legitimacy.

Printer

The Printer is the skilled person or workshop that physically prints the edition. In fine art printmaking, the printer often works closely with the artist to achieve the correct color, pressure, paper, and final result. The printer’s role is technical and important. A respected printer can add credibility to an edition.

Master Printer

A Master Printer is a highly experienced printer with advanced technical knowledge of printmaking. Master printers often collaborate closely with artists to solve technical problems and produce high-quality editions. Their expertise can be especially important in lithography, etching, screenprinting, and other complex processes. Collectors often appreciate knowing when a recognized master printer was involved.

Catalogue Raisonné

A Catalogue Raisonné is a scholarly publication that attempts to list all known works by an artist, or all works in a specific medium such as prints. It often includes titles, dates, sizes, edition information, references, and images. If a print is listed in a catalogue raisonné, that reference can help support authenticity and documentation.

Colophon / Justification

A Colophon or Justification is a printed statement, often found in a portfolio or fine art book, that explains edition details. It may include the title, artist, printer, publisher, paper, date, edition size, and signatures. This information helps document how the work was produced and confirms important facts about the edition.

Portfolio

A Portfolio is a group of related prints, usually issued together as a set. Portfolios may focus on one artist, several artists, a theme, or a special project. They are often produced in limited editions and may include a colophon or justification page. A complete portfolio can have different value than a single loose print.