Graphic art, as an artistic expression that utilizes multiple reproduction processes such as engraving, screen printing, lithography, or digital printing, has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of visual art. Among the most important elements in the world of graphic works are the author's signature and the print run (or edition). These two components not only validate the work's authenticity but also directly influence its artistic, historical, and commercial value.
In this article, we will address the meaning, function, and importance of signature and print run in graphic works, as well as the implications of these elements for artists, collectors, curators, and the art market in general.
But what exactly is an artist's proof? Why are these proofs so highly valued by collectors and art connoisseurs? And how do they differ from regular editions of a work? In this article, we will explore these questions in depth, shedding light on a topic that, while technical, helps us better understand how the art market works and artists' creative processes.
Assessing the value of a work of art is a complex exercise, requiring sensitivity, knowledge, and, above all, attention to the context in which the work exists. Unlike other material goods whose value can be measured by more objective criteria, art defies simple definitions. Its value can be artistic, symbolic, historical, affective, or economic—and is often a combination of all these elements. A work is worth not only what it costs, but also what it represents, what it provokes, and what it preserves.
In this article, we analyze the importance of signature and print run in graphic works, highlighting the role they play in validating the work, its value in the art market, and the relationship between the artist, the work, and the public.