On Prints and Artist Editions
.. they’re not just posters. The difference between an art print and an original print can be confusing. Art Prints are generally reproductions of an original work of art. This is contrasted with original prints produced by an artist through some type of printmaking medium. An original print is not a copy of some other work of art, but was produced via the printmaking medium itself. Art prints are copies of an original work or original print. It can be expensive to produce a high-quality reproduction print, especially if care is taken to carefully reproduce the tones and colors of the original, print in high resolution, and use good quality paper. The process can be more expensive if the print is produced in limited quantities. Art prints are limited editions and should cost more than an open edition in which there is no limit on the potential number of copies made.
We will not purchase art reproductions in any form. We purchased one Artist Edition before we started collecting, it was very cheap at $50.
Ultimately for most artist you are just buying a expensive licensed poster version of an artwork. Sometimes artist will embellish, detail, or hand sign some of these deluxe prints. Sure on some level those details will provide more value. Overall, that value is extremely limited. Beware of claims that art prints are an investment. In only very rare circumstances will an art print appreciate in value. Far more likely it is the case that you cannot resell a print for the price you paid for it. Buy it to enjoy for the artistic value alone. Even a slight increase in value of a print is contingent on the artist becoming very successful in your lifetime. At most increase valuations occur as speculative pricing that tricks on uninformed buyers into purchasing them.
The Bathroom Richard Phillips print. Now we have the pleasure of Kristen Stewart looking down at us every time we use the toilet..
The back of the print with the artist stamped signature.
Very successful artist reprints and prints can go up value and be a worthwhile investment over generations or for short term highly speculative resale. If you want to have something on your walls by an artist, and it's reasonably priced your glorified poster may be a worthwhile purchase. The artist we collect, sell art prints through their websites or indirectly through their gallery.
If you buy a print for $100 through a gallery, the printer receives $25, the artist receives $25, and the gallery owner receives $50 commission on the sale (figures vary a bit, depending on the gallery and the artist.
We don't have any problem with with artist editions and prints when they are significantly less expensive alternatives to owning the original piece. Our major concern really stems from what is a consumer misunderstanding as to the true investment value of artist additions and reprints. We do object to prints and additions for early career living artist that sell for absorbent prices.. over $250 dollars and have seen them go up to just under $1000 than the original painting purchase price.
If you happened to purchase a print of a Woodcut or engraving by Albrecht Durer for $1 in 1535 your relative in 2022 could sell it for around $7000 over 400 years later.
Dealers often confuse buyers with expert terms like "limited edition print”, “signed by the artist,” "artist's proof", and the like. Understanding these terms is crucial for making an informed decision and determining the value of a print.
Original Art vs. Reproduction
Signed vs. Unsigned Prints
Open vs. Limited Edition Prints
Print Run Number
Trial, Hors de Commerce, Printer's and Artist's Proof
A good rule of thumb to follow is: if you can afford to purchase a print for over $1000, you should consider finding an artist whose original work you can buy for the same price or just a little more. There's nothing wrong with getting something to hang on your wall that looks great with your decor. We just don't want collectors to be deceived.