The Art of Numbering and Signing Prints: A Comprehensive Guide

Prints, whether they are etchings, lithographs, or screenprints, hold a special place in the world of fine art. Each print carries a unique set of characteristics, both in terms of their visual quality and their limited or numbered nature. In this article, we will delve into how artists number and sign their prints, a crucial step in preserving their value and authenticity.

Understanding the Traditions Behind Print Numbering and Signatures

Historically, artists would produce a set of reproductive prints and receive a number of 'artists proofs' before deciding on the final print they preferred. These proofs were used to ensure that the print aligned with the artist's vision and to check the quality of the printrun.

The repro methods used for prints may not always match the original painting, due to variations in ink, color, and other technical factors. Once the artist was satisfied with their preferred proof, they would sign off on it and the print would be sent back to the printer for mass production. The quantity of prints produced could either be a limited edition or not.

In the case of a limited edition, the prints would be numbered by the artist or the printer. Each print would carry a number indicating its place in the total run, usually formatted as {print number}/{total run number}. For example, "5/100" would denote the fifth print out of a run of 100.

The Role of Artist and Printer in Numbering and Signing

Artists play a crucial role in the numbering and signing of their prints. They are responsible for ensuring that the prints meet their standards and for adding their signature to each piece. This process not only adds a personal touch but also reinforces the print's value as a unique artwork.

Prints are usually sold in card mounts or rolled for easy shipping. The numbers are typically written in ink or pencil in the margin of the paper at the bottom. Artists may keep the early numbers, such as 1-10, to sell as artists prints and re-sign them beside the number, increasing their value. Lower numbered prints are often more sought after and may hold a slightly higher price than the ones at the end of the run.

In the case of limited editions, the total number of prints is strictly adhered to. When signed and dated, the artist includes the print number in the lower left corner and the total number of prints in the lower right corner. For an artist's proof, the artist would write "A/P" to indicate the proof is completed and satisfactory.

Additional Considerations for Limited Edition Prints

Limited edition prints are highly valued due to their rarity and the artist's direct involvement. Each print in a limited edition carries a unique number and signature, which allows collectors to trace the print's identity back to the original artist.

While many artists stick to the strict numbering of their limited editions, others may produce additional prints to meet ongoing sales demands. In these cases, the numbering may not be as strictly adhered to, and the prints may not be signed or dated with the same rigidity.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding the process of numbering and signing prints is essential for both collectors and artists. By ensuring that each print bears the artist's signature and is numbered accurately, the value and authenticity of the artwork are preserved. Whether a print is part of a limited edition or not, the artist's role in these processes remains a critical aspect of the art’s value.