Is a limited edition print an original?

Limited edition prints are usually original artworks that an artist develops in a specific print medium, like photography. There is always a limited number of prints available of this particular artwork for purchase. On the other hand, open edition prints are a selection of artworks that can be repeatedly reproduced.

What does limited edition print mean?

Limited-Edition Prints

Limited edition prints have been specifically created by the artist, and there are only a certain number of versions available. The print often comes with a certificate, a number on the print (to establish which quantity), and the original artist's signature to show their authenticity.

What is the difference between limited edition and original?

A signed limited edition print is a copy of an original piece of art that is printed in a limited number. The value of the original painting will exceed that of a limited edition print. The prints are limited as the artist only releases a specific number of the prints.

What is the difference between original and limited edition art?

Firstly, a quick explanation on the difference; Limited edition prints are copies of an artists original work. There are a 'limited' number that can be printed with anything ranging from around 25 up to 2500.

Is it worth buying a limited edition print?

A high resolution signed limited edition print is worth a lot more than a standard photograph poster stuck to a canvas! When buying a limited edition print, the artist or printer's proof versions are deemed rare and so are likely to hold more value. Their scarcity makes them more sought-after!

What's The Difference Between limited and Open Edition Prints

Are limited edition prints signed?

A limited edition is normally hand signed and numbered by the artist e.g. 16/100. With exception that the artist is deceased or lives a great distance from the printmaker. In this case, the LE often includes a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the artist, their estate, and/or the Master Printmaker.

How do I find the value of a limited edition print?

Every print in a limited edition is numbered, usually in pencil at the bottom of the print. This number (that looks like a fraction) is called a print run number and it shows the print's position in the edition. The print run number is vital for determining the value of a print.

Are limited edition art prints worth money?

Limited edition signed art prints should not be overlooked as a valuable asset. With the artist proof in hand; they're equally as valuable as original pieces of artwork.

Are limited editions worth more?

Limited editions are usually signed by the artist, which can help increase their value, particularly if the artist is famous. Some prints which are not limited editions are valuable, while some limited editions are out of fashion and are not sought after by collectors.

Why do artists do limited edition prints?

While these artworks are not unique, they are still considered original artworks—and can be as important to artists as their one-of-a-kind pieces. With limited editions, artists restrict the total amount of artworks produced in the edition, so that each individual work will retain its value over time.

Does limited edition mean rare?

Just because a book is a limited edition does not always mean it is rare or collectible or valuable; always pay attention to the number of copies printed as supply can still outstrip demand with limitations. Limited editions are designed to be collectible.

Why do people buy limited edition?

When it comes to basic economics, everyone knows that scarcity can lead to an increase in demand and a greater sense of value for an item. That's the foundational idea behind limited edition products — unique branded items that are created and sold for a certain set time period in a specific market.

Why are limited edition so expensive?

They command a higher price because of the in-built scarcity value. There's no intrinsic value in a limited edition print if the artist is unknown to the world. The print is worth what the customer is willing to pay for the pleasure it brings them.

How can you tell the difference between a print and an original?

The Short Answer

To sum it up, the difference between prints and original works of art is that the original is the only one of its kind, is usually signed by the artist, and may contain a little more depth than a print of the same work. (Just because of the texture of the paint on the original surface.)

What if a print is signed but not numbered?

When a particular print edition is numbered by the artist, any impression without a number is probably not a valid reproduction and not from the original edition, which means that impression may be unauthorized. The numbering of prints is normally limited to fine art prints that are marketed to collectors.

What's better than limited edition?

Put simply, original means a unique, one-off piece which has been created by the artist's own hand. These are the most prized and therefore often the most valuable pieces of art. The future value of an original piece will often be higher than that of any type of limited edition or reproduction.

What is special about limited edition?

A limited edition is a work of art, such as a book, which is only produced in very small numbers, so that each one will be valuable in the future.

What are the benefits of limited edition?

Brands use limited editions not only to generate a product that gives consumers a sense of exclusivity but also to test the market's response to new flavors or product features.

How many prints are considered limited edition?

Limited editions can contain anywhere between 2 and several thousand prints, depending on the technique used and intent of the artist. Prints from small editions retain exclusivity and reach higher prices than large edition prints.

How do I know if my print is valuable?

The rarer the print the higher the price. If a print is a part of a smaller edition, it will be more valuable, due to its exclusivity. If however, the print is a part of a larger edition than it will be less valuable. Open editions, on the other hand, are cheaper to buy, but they are also less likely to rise in value.

What makes a print more valuable?

The value of a print is shaped by factors like quality, notoriety and rarity. The collectability of a print for example, will increase if the image is desirable, the artist is acclaimed or the edition length is limited. If a print run is small, then a print's value is enhanced by its relative rarity.

What is open vs limited edition prints?

Limited edition prints are usually original artworks that an artist develops in a specific print medium, like photography. There is always a limited number of prints available of this particular artwork for purchase. On the other hand, open edition prints are a selection of artworks that can be repeatedly reproduced.

Is a numbered print more valuable?

As far as print run numbers are concerned, the rule is simple: the smaller the number the bigger the value. First impressions in the print run usually reach higher prices since they are considered to be the closest to the artist's original idea.

What does a P mean on a print?

A/P stands for 'Artist's proof' and is a small number of prints that are the first ones printed deemed good enough by the artist. Usually the number of A/Ps is about 10% of the size of the main edition, and this mini-edition can be numbered or not.

What is the number of a print in an edition the top number?

The number below the slash is the size of the edition or how many prints are in the series and the upper number is the number assigned. So for example, if you have 25 identical prints and ready for numbering, you would number them 1/25 and the next 2/25 and so on.