Art & Print Terms Glossary

Artist's Proof

In a limited edition issuance of a print, it is the first few prints produced that are available to the artist for quality control inspection or the artist's own use. Originally, the first prints were of the best quality; in modern production, all prints are essentially equal, so there is no quality advantage to obtaining an artist's proof. However, artist's proof have a smaller edition size than the total run, and can range from just a few to perhaps 100 total prints being identified as "artist's proof".

Copyright

Legal protection provided for the originator (an artist, for example) of an artwork, literary work, musical piece or similar creation. In the U.S., copyright protection is provided as soon as an item is created. Registration of a copyright with the Federal Copyright Office is not necessary, but provides public notice. Ownership of an original painting does not provide a copyright in that image. Permission to reproduce an original work of art is normally provided via a license.

Foam Core

Lightweight material used as backing for art prints before framing.

Giclee

Print produced by spraying droplets of ink onto paper, similar to an inkjet printer. This method is most often used to produce high-value limited edition artworks.

Glazing

Glass, acrylic, or similar material used in front of a print within a frame.

License

Permission to reproduce an artwork given by the copyright owner (usually, the artist). Licenses can take many forms, including those limited by number of reproductions or time, and may be exclusive or non-exclusive.

Limited Edition

In both art prints and collectibles, a denotion that the item has been, or will be, made in a limited quantity, and that no more than the stated maximum will be made. For prints, the total "edition size" for limited editions can be as few as several dozen to 2,000 or more. See also open edition.

Lithograph

Originally a print made using a stone-on-paper impression, it is usually used to refer to prints made by the offset lithography process.

Open Edition

A print or other art piece that has no maximum quantity of production, as opposed to a limited edition.

Poster

Technically, a print used as an advertisement that is posted in a public place; in common usage, an inexpensive print featuring popular subjects such as music or film stars, sports figures, or similar subject matter printed on thin paper.

Print

Broad category that includes photographic prints, lithographs, posters, giclees.

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