10.3 Artist's proofs

Artist's proofs are unique prints created during the printmaking process, serving as test impressions and reference points. They allow artists to evaluate and adjust their work, ensuring the final edition meets their vision. These proofs often feature distinctive characteristics, making them valuable to collectors.

Originating in the 15th century, artist's proofs have evolved from working proofs to a recognized category of prints. The creation process involves careful material selection and meticulous attention to detail. Various types of proofs exist, each playing a crucial role in refining the artist's vision.

Definition of artist's proofs

• Unique prints created by artists during the printmaking process serve as test impressions and reference points
• Represent an integral part of the creative journey in printmaking allowing artists to refine their work
• Often considered more valuable than regular edition prints due to their rarity and direct connection to the artist's process

Purpose and significance

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• Allow artists to evaluate and adjust their work throughout the printmaking process
• Serve as a quality control measure ensuring the final edition meets the artist's vision
• Provide artists with personal copies to keep or gift enhancing the print's exclusivity
• Often feature unique characteristics or variations not present in the final edition

Historical context

• Originated in the 15th century with the rise of printmaking as an art form
• Initially used as working proofs for artists to refine their techniques and compositions
• Evolved into a recognized category of prints with distinct value in the art market
• Gained prominence in the 20th century as collectors began to appreciate their unique qualities

Creation process

• Involves careful selection of materials including high-quality paper and inks
• Requires meticulous attention to detail throughout the printing process
• Incorporates various printmaking techniques (intaglio, relief, lithography, screen printing)

Selection criteria

• Artists choose proofs based on their technical quality and aesthetic appeal
• Consider factors such as color balance ink saturation and overall composition
• May select proofs that showcase unique variations or "happy accidents" during printing
• Often involve collaboration with master printers to achieve desired results

Numbering conventions

• Typically marked as "A/P" or "E/A" (épreuve d'artiste in French) to distinguish from edition prints
• Usually limited to 10-15% of the total edition size
• May be numbered using Roman numerals (I/IV II/IV etc.) or fractions (1/4 2/4 etc.)
• Some artists choose to leave artist's proofs unnumbered for added exclusivity

Types of artist's proofs

• Encompass various stages of the printmaking process reflecting different purposes and characteristics
• Play crucial roles in refining and finalizing the artist's vision for the print edition

State proofs

• Represent different stages or "states" of the printmaking process
• Show the evolution of the image as the artist makes changes to the printing plate or matrix
• Often numbered chronologically (1st state 2nd state etc.) to track the progression
• Valuable to collectors and scholars for understanding the artist's creative process

Bon à tirer proofs

• Translates to "good to pull" in French signifying the final approved version
• Serve as the standard for the entire edition ensuring consistency in quality
• Usually signed and marked "BAT" by the artist
• Often retained by the printer as a reference for producing the edition

Hors commerce proofs

• Means "outside of commerce" in French indicating they are not intended for sale
• Often used for exhibition purposes or as gifts to museums galleries or collaborators
• May have unique characteristics or variations from the main edition
• Typically marked "H.C." and numbered separately from the regular edition

Differences from edition prints

• Artist's proofs often exhibit subtle variations in color texture or composition
• May feature experimental techniques or materials not used in the final edition
• Generally produced in smaller quantities increasing their rarity and value

Quality considerations

• Artist's proofs often receive extra attention and care during the printing process
• May feature higher quality paper or inks than the regular edition
• Sometimes include hand-touched elements or unique embellishments by the artist
• Can showcase the full potential of the print before any degradation of the printing matrix

Rarity factors

• Limited availability compared to regular edition prints increases desirability
• Often feature unique characteristics or variations not present in the edition
• May include earlier states or experimental versions of the final image
• Scarcity can lead to higher market values and collector interest

Collecting artist's proofs

• Requires knowledge of printmaking techniques and artist's working methods
• Offers opportunities to acquire rare and potentially more valuable artworks
• Involves understanding the nuances of different types of artist's proofs

Market value

• Generally command higher prices than regular edition prints due to their rarity
• Value influenced by factors such as artist reputation print quality and provenance
• Can appreciate significantly over time especially for well-known artists
• May fluctuate based on current market trends and collector preferences

Authentication methods

• Involve examining signatures numbering and any specific markings
• Require knowledge of the artist's typical proof notations and numbering systems
• May include consulting print catalogues raisonnés or expert appraisers
• Sometimes utilize scientific methods (paper analysis ink composition) for verification

Legal and ethical considerations

• Involve complex issues surrounding ownership reproduction rights and fair use
• Require understanding of international copyright laws and artistic property rights

Copyright issues

• Artist's proofs generally fall under the same copyright protection as edition prints
• Reproduction rights typically remain with the artist unless explicitly transferred
• Fair use exceptions may apply for educational or scholarly purposes
• Digital reproductions raise new questions about copyright in the online sphere

Gallery and museum policies

• Vary in their approach to exhibiting and selling artist's proofs
• May have specific guidelines for displaying proofs alongside edition prints
• Often require detailed provenance and authentication documentation
• Some institutions prioritize acquiring artist's proofs for their historical significance

Artist's proofs in digital age

• Adapt traditional concepts of proofing to new digital printing technologies
• Present challenges in defining and authenticating digital artist's proofs

Digital vs traditional proofs

• Digital proofs often involve test prints from high-quality inkjet or giclée printers
• May include screen-based proofs for digital artworks or NFTs
• Require new considerations for editioning and authenticity in the digital realm
• Often blur the lines between original artworks and reproductions

Blockchain authentication

• Utilizes blockchain technology to create immutable records of digital artworks
• Provides a new method for verifying the authenticity and ownership of digital proofs
• Allows for tracking the provenance and transfer history of digital artist's proofs
• Raises questions about the nature of scarcity and value in digital art

Conservation and preservation

• Crucial for maintaining the value and integrity of artist's proofs over time
• Requires specialized knowledge of different printmaking techniques and materials

Storage requirements

• Necessitate acid-free archival-quality materials for long-term preservation
• Involve controlling environmental factors (temperature humidity light exposure)
• May require custom storage solutions for oversized or unconventional proofs
• Often include using protective sleeves or mats to prevent direct contact

Handling techniques

• Demand clean dry hands or use of white cotton gloves to prevent oils and dirt transfer
• Involve supporting prints properly when moving or examining them
• Require careful consideration of display methods to minimize light and environmental damage
• May include periodic condition assessments by conservation professionals

Notable examples in art history

• Showcase the significance of artist's proofs in the development of printmaking
• Highlight the unique qualities and historical importance of specific proofs

Famous artist's proofs

• Include Rembrandt's rare state proofs showcasing his experimental etching techniques
• Feature Pablo Picasso's proofs often containing hand-colored elements or unique variations
• Encompass Andy Warhol's trial proofs exploring different color combinations in his screenprints
• Showcase Jasper Johns' proofs demonstrating his meticulous approach to printmaking

Auction records

• Highlight the high values achieved by artist's proofs in the art market
• Include record-breaking sales such as Edvard Munch's "The Scream" artist's proof
• Demonstrate the increasing collector interest in proofs from contemporary artists
• Reflect the impact of provenance and rarity on auction prices for artist's proofs