ORIGINAL:
An original work of art is the source from which all copies and reproductions are made. It is the physical piece of artwork which was created by the artist.
LITHOGRAPH:
Four-color lithographic print from an offset press. Can be an open edition, limited edition or poster. An offset lithograph is a print in which ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber roller, and then on to paper.
GICLEE:
Giclee (zhee-klay) - The French word "giclée" means a spray of liquid. The term "giclée print" connotes an elevation in printmaking technology. Images are high resolution digital scans printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates including canvas, fine art, and photo-base paper. The giclée printing process provides better color accuracy than other means of reproduction. As for quality, the giclée print now rivals many traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes and is commonly found in museums, art galleries, and photographic galleries. Giclée prints are created typically using high-end 8 or 12-Color ink-jet printers.
CANVAS REPRODUCTION:
A canvas print or reproduction is often much closer to the original in look and feel than a paper print ( if the original was created on canvas ). Many of the canvas prints on the market today qualify as true reproductions because they were produced directly on canvas either with offset lithography or digital printing.
Canvas images score points with collectors as well. Artists can hand-embellish canvas prints by adding oil or acrylic paint highlights. Another factor is that canvas prints and transfers can be framed like originals because they don’t need to be covered with protective glazing.
LIMITED EDITION:
A limited edition print is one in which a limit is placed on the number of impressions created from the image. Once this number is sold, the edition is closed and no additional prints are created. Limited editions are usually numbered and are often signed. Note: An image can be offered as a limited edition on paper and as a limited edition canvas reproduction.
OPEN EDITION:
An art edition that has an unlimited number of copies. Can be signed or unsigned, but not numbered.
ARTIST'S PROOF:
An artist's proof can be a small number of prints given to the artist for his own personal use or an impression of a print taken in the printmaking process to see the current printing state of a plate while it is being worked on by the artist.
In modern practice it is usually used to describe an impression of the finished work that is identical to the numbered copies. Artist's proofs are often sold at a higher price - but if they are identical to the numbered copies one has to wonder why.
REMARQUE:
Remarqué limited edition prints have an original, small, hand-drawn sketch or painting by the artist in the margin, usually positioned next to the signature or edition number. This feature increases the value of the edition.