The following is a list of common terms and phrases for limited edition
prints.
- ACID-FREE -
- A descriptive term for specially made materials-used for the print
itself or in the framing process-that are free of acids, which can cause
discoloration and deterioration of a print.
- CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY -
- A statement of the authenticity of a limited edition. Documentation
includes edition size and artist's proofs, title of work, artist's name,
and date of release. Also known as a "warranty card," this document
guarantees that the edition is indeed limited and that the image will not
be published again as a fine art print.
- CONSERVATION FRAMING -
- The method of framing a print in such a way that the print remains
undamaged, in its original condition. This is accomplished through the
use of special high-quality components, including acid-free materials,
to protect the work of art from deterioration, fading, or wear.
- COUNTERSIGNATURE -
- On a limited edition, the signature of someone in addition to the
artist, often adding historical value to the work of art.
- EDITION, LIMITED -
- A fixed number of identical prints of an image, signed by the artist,
sequentially numbered, and showing both the print's number and the total
edition size. Each print is referred to as a "limited edition print."
- EDITION, OPEN -
- Identical prints of an image, which are signed by the artist and published
in unlimited number.
- SILK-SCREENING -
- A method of printing in which ink is forced through a fine-mesh fabric
onto paper. Designs are created by using a hand-cut stencil to opaque certain
areas of the fabric.
- DEBOSSING -
- The creation of a depressed surface in a print to enhance the feeling
of dimension and the texture of the art.
- EMBOSSING -
- The creation of a raised surface in the print to add to the feeling
of dimension and the texture of the art.
- OFFSET LITHOGRAPHY -
- A photographic printing technique that transfers an image from metal
plates to paper, using ink carried by rubber rollers called printing blankets.
- ORIGINAL PRINT -
- A print that was produced as a work of art, not a reproduction of a
painting or other art form, but a "multiple original." Some examples
would be; etchings, woodblocks, silkscreens, and others.
- PUBLISHER -
- The company that represents an artist, and arranges production of
limited editions of the artwork and distribution through a network of qualified
art dealers.
- PROOF, ARTIST'S (AP) -
- Additional prints not included in, but of the same quality as, the
limited edition, produced for the publisher's and artist's personal use
and approval.
- PROOF, PRINTER'S -
- A small number of additional prints not included in the regular limited
edition, produced for the printer's consideration and approval.
- PROOF FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION -
- One or two prints, produced in addition to the limited edition, which
are sent by the publisher to the government agency responsible for copyright
protection in the country in which the print is published.
- REMARQUE -
- An original or printed drawing or marking made by the artist, usually
in the margin of a limited edition print or on a small separate sheet of
paper that accompanies the limited edition print. A remarque, especially
if original, can add substantially to the value of a limited edition print.
- SOLD OUT AT THE PUBLISHER -
- The phrase denoting that prints of a certain limited edition are no
longer available from the publisher, but may still be available from an
authorized dealer.
- SECONDARY MARKET -
- An unofficial network of dealers and individuals where the buying
and selling of fine art prints takes place.
Click 
to
return to FrameMakers.
FrameMakers inc.
xx115@prairienet.org