African American Art Glossary
What Is An Artist’s Proof?

An Artist’s Proof is a special subset of a standard limited edition print. Typically, Artist’s Proofs number 10% or less of the total edition and in the past came directly from the artist. Due to the small number of Artist’s Proof’s produced for a particular art print and the fact that they usually come directly from the artist instead of the publisher, Artist’s Proofs, normally sell at a higher price point.  They also increase in value quicker than your standard limited edition print and thus are more highly desirable.  Often times Artist’s Proofs are the only type of art that avid and experienced collectors buy if they do not purchase an original work of art.

Historically, there were several different ways that Artist’s Proofs were created depending upon the region and the period of history.  Sometimes, the Artist’s Proofs were the first prints pulled off from a one-man litho press.  Since these prints were pulled from the press when production started and the stone (i.e. the plate which was drawn to create the prints by the artist) was still fresh, these prints were typically sharper and of a higher quality than the rest of the prints created during production.  During other time periods, the Artist would typically check every tenth print created by the press during production as quality control.  Since each tenth print was personally inspected and approved by the artist this subset became known as the Artist’s Proof.

Due to advancement in printing technology, these quality control methods are no longer needed because almost all of the art prints created during the printing process are identical.  In modern times, as payment for the signing of the limited edition, the artist is typically given the Artist’s Proofs from the publisher.  Sometimes, the publisher will also keep some of the Artist’s Proofs if they pay the artist a “signing fee” for signing the limited edition art prints.   However, Artist’s Proofs still retail at a higher price for the same reasons that they always have.  First, they usually come directly from the Artist and second, because of their restricted number.

Overall, Artist’s Proofs are considered a status symbol in the world of art.