Introduction to Art Print Collecting
Art print collecting involves acquiring and curating reproductions or original printmaking works created through various printing techniques. This rewarding hobby allows access to fine art at more affordable prices than paintings or sculptures. Print collecting matters because it democratizes art ownership, preserves artistic heritage, offers investment potential, and provides aesthetic enjoyment while developing a deeper appreciation for printmaking traditions and techniques.
Core Concepts & Principles
Print Types & Terminology
- Original Prints – Artwork created by the artist specifically for the printmaking medium
- Reproductive Prints – Copies of artwork originally created in another medium
- Limited Editions – Prints produced in a specified quantity, then destroyed
- Open Editions – Prints produced without a predetermined quantity limit
- Artist Proofs (A/P) – Test prints kept by the artist (typically 10% of edition size)
- State – Version of a print during its development process
- Impression – Individual print pulled from a plate/block/screen
Print Numbering System
- Edition Number – Fraction notation (e.g., 15/100) showing print number and total edition size
- Special Annotations – H.C. (Hors Commerce), B.A.T. (Bon à Tirer), P.P. (Printer’s Proof)
- Remarques – Small additional drawings in margins (often increasing value)
Value Determinants
- Rarity – Limited availability (smaller editions typically more valuable)
- Condition – Physical state (pristine examples command premium prices)
- Provenance – Ownership history and authenticity documentation
- Artist Reputation – Market standing and critical acclaim
- Impression Quality – Richness of inks, paper quality, registration precision
- Historical/Cultural Significance – Importance within art movements or periods
Printmaking Techniques & Identification
Major Printmaking Categories
| Technique | Process Type | Visual Characteristics | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relief | Ink sits on raised surface | Bold lines, high contrast | Woodcuts, linocuts, wood engravings |
| Intaglio | Ink sits in incised lines | Fine details, plate marks, embossed lines | Etchings, engravings, mezzotints, aquatints |
| Planographic | Ink sits on flat surface | Smooth tones, painterly effects | Lithographs, monotypes |
| Stencil | Ink passes through openings | Flat colors, sharp edges | Screenprints, pochoir |
| Digital | Computer-generated | Precise details, smooth gradients | Giclée, digital prints |
How to Identify Printing Techniques
- Relief Prints – Look for slightly raised ink, visible wood grain (woodcuts), sharp edges
- Etchings – Examine for plate marks, recessed ink, dimensional lines
- Lithographs – Check for flat ink surface, subtle tonal variations, crayon-like marks
- Screenprints – Notice distinct layers of color, even ink application, slight texture
- Digital Prints – Observe consistent dot patterns under magnification, perfect registration
Print Collecting Methodology
Building a Collection Strategy
- Define Focus – Period, artist, style, theme, region, or technique
- Set Budget Parameters – Investment ceiling and regular purchasing allowance
- Research Market – Gallery pricing, auction results, artist trajectories
- Develop Knowledge Base РStudy catalogues raisonn̩s, visit museums, join collector groups
- Establish Relationships – Connect with dealers, artists, auction houses
- Implement Acquisition Plan – Systematic approach to purchases
- Document Collection – Maintain detailed inventory and provenance records
Where to Acquire Prints
- Print Fairs – Direct access to multiple dealers and current market
- Galleries – Curated selection with expert guidance
- Auction Houses – Potential bargains but requires market knowledge
- Online Platforms – Wide selection but authentication challenges
- Artist Studios/Workshops – Direct relationship with creators
- Print Publishers – New editions from established and emerging artists
- Estate Sales – Occasional discoveries at reduced prices
Conservation & Display
Conservation Best Practices
- Handling – Clean, dry hands or cotton gloves; support entire print
- Storage – Acid-free folders/mats; consistent temperature (65-70°F) and humidity (45-55%)
- Light Exposure – Limit to 50-100 lux; avoid direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting
- Framing – Acid-free mats, UV-filtering glass, proper spacing from glass surface
- Cleaning – Professional conservators only; avoid adhesives and cleaning products
Framing Options Comparison
| Framing Approach | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum Quality | Maximum preservation, archival materials | Expensive, heavier | Valuable original prints |
| Float Mounting | Shows entire print including edges | More complex installation | Prints with deckle edges |
| Box Framing | Protection for dimensional works | Bulky, more expensive | Relief prints, embossing |
| Portfolio Storage | Allows rotation, less light exposure | Limited display options | Large collections |
| Digital Display Rotation | Shows more collection, protects originals | Technology dependent | Fragile/valuable prints |
Authentication & Appraisal
Authentication Indicators
- Signature – Artist’s hand-signed mark (typically pencil for modern prints)
- Chop Mark – Embossed seal of artist or print workshop
- Watermarks – Paper manufacturer’s embedded mark
- Edition Information – Properly numbered according to conventions
- Paper Quality – Appropriate for period and technique
- Provenance Documentation – Certificates, receipts, exhibition history
Red Flags for Potential Forgeries
- Inconsistent Signature – Varies from known examples
- Anachronistic Materials – Paper, inks not available during artist’s lifetime
- Digital Reproduction Signs – Regular dot patterns under magnification
- Missing Plate Marks – Absent in intaglio prints where expected
- Suspicious Provenance – Gaps in ownership history or documentation
- Unrealistic Pricing – Significantly below market value without explanation
Common Challenges & Solutions
Condition Issues
- Foxing (Brown Spots): Professional conservation; stable environment storage
- Light Damage: UV-filtering glass; rotation of displayed works
- Acid Burn: Deacidification treatment by professionals; acid-free storage
- Handling Creases: Professional flattening; proper support during handling
- Mold: Immediate isolation; professional remediation; control humidity
Market Navigation
- Authenticity Concerns: Research artist’s printmaking history; consult experts; request provenance
- Price Verification: Compare auction databases (Artnet, Artprice); multiple dealer quotations
- Overgraded Condition: Personal inspection before purchase; condition reports; return policies
- Misleading Terminology: Learn precise definitions; question ambiguous descriptions
- Investment Volatility: Diversify collection; focus on artistic merit over speculation
Print Market Trends & Investment
Market Segment Comparison
| Print Category | Current Market Trend | Investment Potential | Entry Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Master Prints | Stable, museum-dominated | Slow appreciation, preservation of wealth | $1,000-$20,000+ |
| Modern Masters | Strong demand, established value | Reliable appreciation, blue-chip | $2,000-$50,000+ |
| Contemporary Limited Editions | Volatile, artist-dependent | Higher risk/reward ratio | $500-$10,000 |
| Emerging Artists | Speculative | Discovery potential, higher risk | $100-$2,000 |
| Digital/NFT Prints | Highly volatile | Uncertain long-term value | Varies widely |
Value Appreciation Factors
- Artist transitions (mid-career to established)
- Museum retrospectives and major exhibitions
- Critical reassessment of artistic movements
- Decreasing availability as prints enter permanent collections
- Posthumous market adjustments following artist’s death
Best Practices & Practical Tips
For Beginner Collectors
- Start with affordable prints from reputable sources
- Focus on what you love rather than investment potential
- Learn to identify basic printmaking techniques firsthand
- Join print clubs for education and networking
- Visit museum print rooms and request viewings
- Begin with contemporary artists when developing relationships
For Intermediate Collectors
- Develop a specific collecting focus or theme
- Build relationships with specialized dealers
- Consider commissioning prints directly from artists
- Attend auctions first as observer before bidding
- Implement proper cataloging and condition documentation
- Join museum print acquisition committees
For Advanced Collectors
- Establish lending relationships with museums
- Consider creating a focused collection worthy of eventual donation
- Explore private treaty sales for major acquisitions
- Develop succession planning for collection
- Consider publishing or exhibiting collection
- Mentor emerging collectors and support printmaking education
Resources for Further Learning
Print Organizations & Institutions
- International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA)
- Print Council of America
- American Print Alliance
- Museum print departments (MoMA, British Museum, Rijksmuseum)
- Print workshops (Tamarind, Crown Point Press, Gemini G.E.L.)
Print Fairs & Events
- IFPDA Fine Art Print Fair (New York)
- London Original Print Fair
- E/AB Fair (Editions/Artists’ Books)
- LA Art Book Fair
- Print Month (October)
Essential References
- “The Complete Printmaker” by John Ross
- “How to Identify Prints” by Bamber Gascoigne
- “Prints & People” by A. Hyatt Mayor
- “The Tamarind Book of Lithography: Art and Techniques”
- Artist-specific catalogue raisonnés
Online Resources
- International Fine Print Dealers Association resources
- Print Council of America guides
- Museum print collection databases
- Artnews print collecting guides
- Gordon’s Print Price Annual
This cheatsheet provides a foundation for print collecting at any level. As with any collecting pursuit, continued education, firsthand examination, and developing relationships within the art community will enhance both enjoyment and success.