Collecting Prints

It is helpful to know about the print production process before you begin to collect.

What are prints?

There are numerous printmaking processes including lithography, etching, engraving, woodcut, linocut, screen printing and monoprinting. Each type of impression has its own technique for production and resulting aesthetic characteristics. Prints are most often done in limited editions and are then signed and numbered by the artist. The plate used in production is scored and destroyed after the edition is completed.

      
Why should you collect prints?

Prints are original yet affordable works of art that can appeal to both new and seasoned collectors. Prints tend to be more moderately priced in comparison to drawings, paintings and sculptures. For example, if you have always wanted an original work by Picasso, you will find that an impression may cost several thousand dollars as opposed to several million dollars for a painting. Likewise, in general, original prints by established and respected modern and contemporary artists can be purchased for several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Where should you buy a print?

Once you have determined which artists and print techniques are appealing, you should begin to visit galleries and dealers that sell the works you are interested in acquiring. Since a plethora of retail operations sell prints, it is important to confirm that they are reputable establishments. Consult with an organization such as the International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA) to see if the dealer is a member of this prestigious trade organization. A dealer can often answer questions regarding the reputation of the artist, edition size and when the print was completed. There are primary and secondary dealers and/or galleries. A primary dealer is the first to handle an artist’s work; a secondary dealer handles work that is coming back on the market after primary ownership. If you are seeking recently published prints, you will tend to work with a primary dealer to find the work. If you are purchasing an older work or a work from a sold-out edition, you will most likely work with a secondary dealer.

Both major and regional auction houses frequently hold print sales. Often prints will have a “pre-sale estimate” indicating to potential buyers a price range that the property could achieve, based upon prior auction sale results. Keep in mind that prints appearing at auction may have condition issues, as can previously owned prints being sold by dealers. Carefully examine the paper on which the impressions you are interested in are printed before bidding on the property or making a purchase, and always ask to see a written condition report. There are many online retailers; however, it is strongly advised that you physically examine the print before making any financial investment.

What should you look for when buying a print?

The value of a print is often contingent on the condition of the work. Therefore, if a work is not pristine or nearly flawless, it may be rather difficult to sell the work in the future. Frequent condition issues include foxing (orange/brown staining and spotting common on antique engravings and prints, caused by mold due to dampness), fading and tears. When examining two impressions from the same edition, you want to look for which work has a higher contrast (this tends to indicate that it is a better impression). If the image is grainy or dry, it will most likely have long-term condition issues. Furthermore, it is essential to make sure there are no water stains or tears and that there are full margins. Another key characteristic of value may be the size of the edition. At the bottom of most editioned prints there is a ratio-like marking. The bottom number indicates how many total prints are in the edition; the top number indicates the specific designation for that work. Generally, smaller editions are the most desirable; however, it depends from artist to artist. Clearly, there are many more points to consider; these provide you with some basic collecting tips. To learn more about prints, consider consulting one or more of the following selected sources:

      
Dawson, John. The Complete Guide to Prints and Printmaking. New York: Excalibur Books, 1981.

Donson, Theodore B. Prints and the Print Market. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, Publishers, 1977.

Gascoigne, Bamber. How to Identify Prints. London: Thames and Hudson, 1995.

Ivins Jr., William M. How Prints Look: Photographs with Commentary. Boston: Beacon Press, 1987.

Lambert, Susan. Prints Art and Techniques. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2001.

Ross, John, Clare Romano and Tim Ross. The Complete Printmaker. New York: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 1991.

International Fine Print Dealers Association, 485 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y.; Telephone (212) 759-4469; Web www.printdealers.com.