Original Drawing
An original work individually drawn by the artist, completed in pencil, ink, or
other medium, and personally signed by the artist. Being an original work each
drawing is unique and different.
figurative
A term used to describe art which is based on the figure,
usually in realistic or semi-realistic terms; also loosely used to describe an
artist who paints or sculpts representationally, as opposed to painting or
sculpting in an abstract or non-objective manner.
hatching
A technique used in drawing to indicate light and shade, or
form, consisting of parallel lines of varying width, darkness and spacing.
Cross-hatching is simply two or more overlapping sets of these parallel sets of
lines, at a perpendicular or other angle to the first set of lines
medium
Material or technique an artist works in; also, the
(usually liquid or semi-liquid) vehicle in which pigments are carried or mixed
(e.g., oil, egg yolk, water, refined linseed oil).
Giclee
Giclee (pronounced "Jee-Klay") is a French word that approximately translates to
"spray fluid." Giclees are produced one at a time using a very expensive
sophisticated machine that operates similarly to an ink jet printer.An extensive
proofing process is done to make sure each image is acceptable to the artist,
and then the correct settings are stored digitally. This allows Giclees to be
produced one at a time.
Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate issued by the publisher stating the total quantity of prints
issued in the edition, confirming authenticity of the signatures, and in the
case of a limited edition, inscribed with the matching unique number inscribed
on the individual print. Collectors are advised to keep certificates safely as a
future means of provenance.
Open Edition
An edition issued without limit, individual number, or artist's signature.
Limited Edition Print
An edition of identical prints, numbered sequentially and individually signed by
the artist, having a stated limit to the quantity in the edition.
Edition Number
A fraction found on the bottom left hand corner of a
print. The top number is the sequence in the edition; the bottom number is the
total number of prints in the edition. The number appears as a fraction usually
in the lower left of the print. For instance the edition number 25/50 means that
it is print number 25 out of a total edition of 50.
Artist's Proof
An old tradition of reserving a quantity of prints for the artist's use, usually
equal to about 10% of the edition. In the early days of printing, these prints
were the only remuneration the poor artist received. Proofs are signed by the
artist and numbered showing the quantity of Artist's Proofs issued in the
edition. Because of their highly restricted number, Artist's Proofs are sold at
a higher value than the regular prints in the edition.
Remarqued Print
A print issued with an original pencil drawing by the artist in the margin, each
numbered out of the quantity of individually remarqued prints in the edition.
The quantity of remarqued prints in any one edition generally is between 25 and
50. Each remarque drawing made by the artist is slightly different, thus making
each print totally unique. Remarqued prints may be available at the time of
publication, or announced at a later date, depending upon the artist's work load
at the time. An artist remarqued print is the ultimate collector item in terms
of reproduced work.
Publishers Proof
A quantity of prints, not always announced or issued at the time of publication,
usually equal to no more than 10% of the edition. These are reserved for the
publisher's use, mostly for donation to Museums, Service establishments, Service
Associations, and the like. Quantities of Publishers Proofs, sometimes issued
with a supplementary print, may be made available to collectors either at the
time of publication, or at a later date, depending upon availability.
Hors Commerce
This French term literally translates as "before
business." Originally an Hors Commerce print was used as the color key and
printing guide which the printer would use to insure consistency of the print
run. Hors Commerce pieces are designated by the letters H.C. written on the
print itself. These pieces are usually printer's proofs that are not for sale
and are often used for promotional purposes. H.C. designations can also be used
to extend the run of the edition.
Sold-Out Prints
Where a print is shown as "sold out", this means sold-out at the publisher.
"Sold-out" prints are sometimes available from galleries at the original
publisher's price, depending upon the length of time elapsed following
publication. Prints in strong demand often appear on the secondary market at
increased prices quite quickly after becoming sold out at the publisher.
Secondary Market
A market, largely operated by retail galleries, where limited edition prints are
bought and sold by collectors after the edition is sold out at the publisher.
Generally prints offered for sale on the secondary market are at values above
the original published price. Prices are governed by supply and demand on the
open market, and are not set by the publisher. Prints in strong demand can
change hands at many times the original published price.
