However, if that work was initially created to be a painting and then later the work of art is photographed to make prints, these subsequent versions are a reproduction of the original One print, many names If an artist intends to create an etching, then regardless of how many times this etching is printed, each print constitutes an original work of art. The difference between an original print and a reproduction print, lies with artistic intention. What’s the difference between original versus reproduction prints? Because of this, an original print constitutes each print taken from the original plate or matrix.Ĭlifton Pugh - 'Myrtle Trees, Island Camp'

Artists almost always use a plate or matrix to produce multiple impressions called an edition.Įach work in the edition is the same, although on occasion, through the quirkiness of the press or the artist, editions may have fractional differences. In printmaking there is no single pre-existing original rather the final prints are the manifestation of the design and are the originals themselves. In the case of printmaking however, repetition is core. The confusion often stems from a conflation of 'original' with 'one-of-a-kind. Printmaking as an original form of art can be misunderstood. And collectors rejoice, recognising prints as among the most fruitful and thrilling avenues for collecting fine art. As technology evolves, so does printmaking, with every generation of artists forging new ways to express their visions.

Part of this longevity lies with its diverseness. With a lineage stretching back to 105 AD, printmaking stands as one of the oldest practices in art.

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