Collecting Guide: Key things to know about Editions

What Defines an Edition

Although printmaking may involve the reproduction of an image, a fine art print should not be understood as a mere copy. It is the result of a close collaboration between artist and master printer, where technical expertise and artistic intent converge. Most prints are conceived with the structure of an edition in mind and are released through galleries, publishers or directly by the artist as part of a broader artistic practice.

Prints occupy a central position within the art market. They function not only as works in their own right, but also as a point of entry for collectors. Compared to unique works, they often exist within a more accessible framework, while still maintaining strong ties to the artist’s practice, market and historical context.

Artists have engaged with printmaking for different reasons. For some, such as Andy Warhol, the medium itself became fundamental, enabling repetition, variation and the exploration of mass-produced imagery as part of the work’s conceptual foundation.

Edition:

An edition refers to the total number of impressions produced from a single matrix. This is typically indicated on the work itself, often written in pencil along the lower edge. The size of the edition plays a significant role in how a work is perceived, smaller editions tend to be rarer and are often regarded as more desirable.

Numbering:

Each print within an edition is individually numbered. The notation usually appears as a fraction, such as 21/150, indicating that the work is number 21 from a total edition of 150. While the number itself does not necessarily determine quality, it provides structure and clarity within the edition.

Artist’s Proof (A/P):

Artist’s Proofs exist alongside the main edition and are typically produced in smaller quantities. Historically, these prints were retained by the artist, often representing early impressions or working stages. Today, their desirability is linked less to technical differences and more to their limited number and historical association.

Bon à Tirer (B.A.T.):

The B.A.T, or “good to print,” is the final proof approved by the artist before the full edition is produced. It serves as the reference for the entire edition and is unique within the production process.

Printer’s Proof (P/P):

Printer’s Proofs are allocated to the workshop or printers involved in the edition. Their number depends on the scale of the collaboration, and they are typically produced in very limited quantities.

Hors Commerce (H.C.):

H.C., meaning “hors commerce” or “not for sale,” refers to prints that are traditionally reserved for the artist or close collaborators. These works are generally scarce and are often considered among the more rare and sought-after examples within an edition.

Concluding Perspective:

While modern printing techniques ensure consistency across an edition, distinctions such as proof types and edition size remain important. They contribute not only to the structure of the work, but also to its position within both an artistic and collecting context.

Understanding these elements allows for a more informed approach. Where a print is not simply viewed as an image, but as a carefully realised work within a defined system.