artist proof
Painter's personal print
An artist proof is a print from a limited edition set aside for the artist's personal use, traditionally marked "A.P." or "E.A." (épreuve d'artiste).
Originally these were working proofs used to check quality before the main run, but now they're essentially bonus prints beyond the numbered edition: The gallery sold an artist proof for twice the edition price.
Collectors value them for their closer connection to the artist.
- APMajor news syndicate
- limited editionSmall intentional production run
- printmakingProducing images through impression
- editionSingle published version
- signedWrote one's name on
numbered · print run · limited · impression · lithograph · etching · studio · trial · print · ink · paper · gallery · collector · authenticity · margin · plate · press · original