What is an artist proof?

What is an Artist Proof?

In the world of visual arts, especially in the context of engraving, screen printing, lithography, and sculpture, there are various nomenclatures that indicate the technical and authorial specificities of a work. Among these, the so-called artist's proof, often abbreviated as AP, stands out. While it may seem like a simple technical detail, this designation carries significant symbolic, historical, and even commercial weight.

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.

Definition: What is an artist proof?

An artist's proof is an extra copy of a printed or reproduced work (such as an engraving, silkscreen, lithograph, etc.), created during or before the printing of the final edition, but which is not included in the official numbered run.

Traditionally, these proofs are intended for the artist's personal use. They are, so to speak, "out of print" copies—that is, not intended for immediate sale—used to evaluate the technical result, record the process, or simply for the creator's own archive. However, over time, many of these proofs have become commercially available, and in many cases, they fetch prices equal to or higher than those of the regular edition.

Typically, artist's proofs are signed by the author and marked with the acronym AP or, in Portuguese, PA, and indicated outside the regular edition numbering (for example: “PA” or “AP” instead of “15/100”).

A little history

The concept of artist's proof dates back to the period when artistic reproduction techniques began to gain importance in Europe, particularly between the 15th and 18th centuries. At that time, artists used engraving as a means of disseminating religious images, portraits, or mythological scenes. The technique required the use of matrices (such as copper or wooden plates), on which the image was manually engraved for later printing on paper.
During this process, the artist and engraver would make numerous proofs to check the print quality and its fidelity to the original intent. These proofs, usually printed before the main edition, were often more valuable than subsequent copies, representing a "purer" moment of the creative act.
Throughout the 20th century, with the expansion of printing techniques and the consolidation of engraving as an autonomous artistic medium, artist's proofs became a recognized and valued element in the gallery, museum and auction circuit.

Difference between numbered edition and artist proof

The main difference between an artist's proof and a numbered edition copy lies in their status and purpose.
Numbered edition: This is the main print run of the work, numbered sequentially (for example: 1/100, 2/100, up to 100/100). These are the copies that go on the market, being sold to collectors, museums, or institutions.

Artist Proof (PA/AP): These are copies outside of this edition. Typically, the artist reserves between 5% and 10% of the total edition as personal proofs. Therefore, if a work has a print run of 100 copies, there may be around 5 to 10 artist proofs.

Furthermore, artist's proofs are, in many cases, the first prints made from the master, which means they are of higher technical quality, as the master tends to wear out with use.

Types of evidence

In the world of multiple editions, there are several categories of proofs, in addition to artist proofs. The main ones include:

Printer's Proof: Copies reserved for the printer, usually marked "PP." They are similar to PA copies but intended for the technician responsible for printing.

State Proofs: Prints made at different stages of recording, showing the evolution of the work before reaching the final result.

Color Proofs: Used to test color combinations in multicolored works.

“hors de commerce” (HC) tests: Literally “out of trade,” these are copies that were not intended for sale — often used for exhibition or institutional offerings.

Each type of proof plays its role in the creative and technical process of the work, and all contribute to the historical record of the production.

Commercial and symbolic value

Although they aren't part of the numbered edition, artist's proofs are generally highly valued in the art market. This is due to several factors:

Shortage: As they exist in small numbers, they are naturally rarer than regular copies.

Direct association with the artist: Because they are reserved for the author, they are seen as more intimate examples and closer to their original intention.

Technical quality: Often printed at the beginning of the run, when the matrix is new, they have superior quality.

History and authenticity: They are often used as a reference in studies on the artist's creative process, having documentary value.

For these reasons, an artist's proof can, in certain cases, fetch higher prices than regular edition copies in galleries and auctions.

Artist's evidence in contemporary art

In contemporary art, the use of artist's proofs continues, but with new approaches. Many contemporary artists—such as Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor or Vhils —continue to produce limited editions and artist's proofs, both as an extension of their production and as a strategy for increasing their market value. With the growing professionalization of the art sector, proofs are now frequently accompanied by certificates of authenticity, studio or publisher stamps, and even digital (blockchain) marks that record the work's origin. Furthermore, the emergence of digital art and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) has raised new questions about the concept of edition and proof. In digital environments, where everything can theoretically be reproduced infinitely, the idea of a unique or limited proof takes on new dimensions.

How to identify an artist's proof

To identify an artist's proof, the collector or interested party must observe:

The artist's signature, usually handwritten;

The inscription “PA” or “AP” in the place where, in normal copies, the numbering would be seen (instead of “15/50”, for example);

The presence of authenticity stamps, studio or atelier marks;

Differentiated paper or support (in some cases, the tests are made on special paper or with unique chromatic variations);

The existence of certificates or documents that prove the origin of the work.

Artist's proofs are much more than simple copies of multiple works. They represent a direct link between the creator and the artistic object, and carry with them a technical, symbolic, and historical dimension that goes beyond the mere function of reproduction. For collectors, acquiring an artist's proof can mean owning a more intimate and authentic part of an artist's work. For artists, they serve as records of their creative process, instruments of experimentation, and, often, assets of emotional value. Ultimately, understanding what an artist's proof is also means better understanding how the artistic system works and the delicate relationship between art, authorship, technique, and the market.