HOME  |  CONTACT               Glossary   Edition   The total number of images printed is called an edition. The edition is numbered and written directly under the print with a pencil, for example, 1/20, 2/20 through 20/20. Additional proofs, such as artist's proofs, are also part of the edition.   Numbering   Numbering indicates the size of the edition and the number of each particular print. Thus, 3 /20 will indicate that the print is the 3rd one out of a total of 20 prints. If the numbering is in Roman numerals, it indicates a restrike.   Artist's Proofs   Artist's proofs are prints from an edition that are for the artist's own use. These impressions are in over and above the numbered edition. They are written in pencil as artist proof or A/P. As per printmaking standards, an artist can legitimately take 10% A/P of the total.   Restrike   Generally, after an edition is printed the plate or matrix is cancelled. If a subsequent edition is taken from an original plate, stone, or block, it is called a restrike. Restrikes are usually printed posthumously or without the artist's authorization.   States   After the artist declares that the plate is ready for printing, several prints can be pulled. Afterwards, the artist can make some changes in the image and print another set. In such a situation, the first edition is called first state, and the subsequent prints with the change are known as the second state. These are also referred to as trial proofs or color proofs.   Catalogue Raisonné   A textual reference in which each print executed by a particular artist is completely documented and described. The information given may include title, alternate titles, date, medium, edition number, image size, paper used, etc. The catalogue raisonné is a legitimate record of the prints made by an artist and can be used as a source to identify frauds or fakes.   Matrix   The matrix is the surface on which the image is created and printed from. This can be the stone block in lithography, the metal plate in intaglio, the mesh in serigraphy, linoleum or a woodblock.   B.A.T.   When a print is made, the artist takes several proofs until he/she feels that the image is perfect. This final proof print of the image is known as the printer's proof or bon-a'-tirer. It is signed as B.A.T. All the prints in the edition should be identical to the final proof print.   Mylar Transfer   Mylar prints are images that are hand drawn by the artist and then are photographically copied onto the plate or screen and printed on mechanical presses.   Giclee's   These are digital ink jet prints of a digital image file on a computer or CD. Technically, they are copies, though some artists use this process to produce beautiful one-of-a-kind images on paper.   Limited Edition   In a limited edition, the numbers of prints that are taken from a plate or matrix are pre-decided by the artists. After the edition is pulled, the plate is cancelled so that no further prints can be pulled.   Open Edition   In an open edition, the plate is not cancelled after the edition is printed as the artist can decide to take another edition of prints later depending on the demand in the market.