For Collectors: What is an original print?

First, it's important to understand what an original print is not. It is not in any way a reproduction or copy of another work of art. An “original print” is the artist’s conception of a unique idea printed during the artist’s lifetime, on paper or similar material employing one of a number of processes.

From start to finish, an original print is under the control of the artist. He or she chooses the subject, the technique, the printing process, and controls the quality of the impression on paper and the number of prints in the edition to be printed.

If the print is pulled after the artist’s death, the print is no longer an original print but rather, a restrike. Restrikes are invariably inferior because they are not printed by the artist or under the artist’s supervision.

Second, an original print is usually not one of a kind (except for mono prints) but rather one of a series (an edition) of nearly identical images. Since there is more than one impression of each print, “original’ does not mean “unique.” But while the basic image remains the same, the condition and clarity can be markedly different from impression to impression.

Third, not everything that has the label of original print is actually an original print. Caveat emptor - buyer beware. Many times a reproduction print will be represented as, or mistaken for, an original print. Ask for a gallery or dealer to give you written documentation on the authenticity of the print. Any reputable dealer will provide detailed information about your purchase and will stand behind their inventory. As you become more familiar with prints, you will be comfortable identifying the processes, papers, and coloring of original prints.

Excerpts taken from Collecting Prints, by Leila Lyons, Random House, 2006.