thebevelededgeonline.com

[Frankie]

What's the difference between all of these various types of prints? Let us explain...

Limited Editions - In printmaking, an edition is a set of prints struck from one plate, composing a limited run of prints.

Literally, edition means "that which has been edited." In practice, different editions of a dictionary, encyclopedia, textbook, or publication of research may differ substantially or completely. Editions of periodicals of classic works may differ in typeface, publisher, or proportion of original edition published. Thus, dictionaries (for example) typically vary significantly from edition to edition, but non-reference material may not. Editions may be truncated or expanded. "Edition" is not synonymous with "reprint."

One of the main reasons for the development of printmaking was the desire of artists to make more money from their work by selling multiple copies; printmaking satisfies this motive. Much early printmaking consisted only of copying existing works of art, and was considered then as posters are considered now: a downmarket version of a great work. From the 18th century on, though, artists commonly pursued printmaking as the primary medium for some or all of their work.

Prints by artists today retain their financial value as art (i.e., as an appreciating investment) because they are created by an artistic process rather than by a strictly mechanical one, and because the number of multiples is limited. In Rembrandt's time, the limit on the size of an edition was practical: a plate degrades through use, putting an upper limit on the number of images to be struck. Plates can be reworked and restored to some degree, but it is generally not possible to create more than a thousand prints from any process except lithography. A few hundred is a more practical upper limit, and even that allows for significant variation in the quality of the image.

Because of the variation in quality, lower-numbered prints in an edition are sometimes favored as superior, especially with older works where the image was struck until the plate wore out. In later times, printmakers recognized the value of limiting the size of an edition and explicitly numbering the prints (e.g., a print numbered 15/30 is the fifteenth print in an edition of 30). With printmaking earning respect as a legitimate medium in its own right, the printing of editions with tight controls on the process to limit or eliminate variation in quality has become the norm (though monotyping is a subdiscipline of printmaking deliberately opposite this precept). Artists may print an edition much smaller than the plate allows, keeping the edition within the undegraded lifespan of the plate; or specific steps may be taken to strengthen the plate, such as electroplating intaglio images, which uses an electric process to put a very thin coat of a stronger metal onto a plate of a weaker metal.

The discipline of releasing prints within a specific edition was a later invention. Rembrandt would create plates, print a few hundred copies, rework the plate, sometimes changing the image radically, and then print a few hundred more. As long as the print could make money, it was printed. Nowadays, prints are not only released in small editions but the plate is usually cancelled afterwards: marked or destroyed to explicitly prevent any more prints from being struck. This is an expectation of collectors and investors, who want the prints they buy to retain their value.

Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edition



Artist's Proof - Artist's proofs are a special subset of the regular limited edition. Artist's proofs began back when limited editions were all hand-pulled from a one-man litho press. The artist's proofs were the first prints pulled off a fresh "stone" (the plate which was drawn or etched by the artist to create the prints). The stone wore down as the number of prints was increased, so that the APs were the sharpest and most colorful of the lot. Thus, they sold for more, being a better product.

These days, in the world of modern offset lithography, all the prints in an edition are nearly identical. Artist's proofs maintain their collectability and value because A) They are a small subset of the edition, and B) they usually come directly from the artist. In these days of mass marketing, getting something directly or even indirectly from the artist is rare. Publishers usually turn over the artists proofs to the artist for his or her own use, and retain all the other prints in the edition.

How rare? it varies. Traditionally, artist's proofs number 10% or less of the total edition, so if there is an edition of 500, usually there will be only 50 artist's proofs. In other countries, it may be more or less. In Russia, for example, the artists' proofs may run 30% of the edition.

Artist's proofs are signed "A/P" or "Artist's Proof" and may or may not be numbered with the serial number of that portion of the edition.

Artist's proofs are generally considered a status symbol in the world of art collecting. And their resale value is proportionally higher than the numbered editions.

Taken from http://www.novaspace.com/AUTO/AP.html



Signature Editions - A Signature Edition is a popular subset of both the Limited Edition and Artist's Proof, employed by Daniel Moore. Part of the Limited Edition run, this Limited Edition print will also include the signatures of various person(s) related to the work.

For example, in the 2006 print of Rocky Stop, Signature Editions are available in both the Artist Proof and Limited Edition Runs. Not only do these prints include Daniel Moore's signature, but they also include Roman Harper and Demeco Ryan's signatures.


Museum Editions - Another popular edition method employed by Daniel Moore, this print run is usually limited to 100 copies. In addition to the low number of prints they may include additional signatures. Portions of the proceeds are donated to the Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa.


Publisher's Proof - The Publisher's Proof is an extremely low run of prints (usually in the 20-30 range). Today's Publisher's Proof resume the role of the orginal Artist Proof, as a test from the Publisher that the printing process is working correctly.

[Sofa King]

How would I go about finding any Auburn University prints on your site? In navigating around, all I seemed to be able to find was Crimson Tide hommage prints and a "Daniel Moore is the best painter in the world" section. Why do you guys hate Auburn so much?

[Frankie]