Artist ProofEdit
An artist proof (often abbreviated AP) is a print or group of prints produced during the creation of an edition to test, approve, or preserve the artist’s direct involvement in the final result. Traditionally, APs were kept by the artist or given to trusted collaborators, printers, or patrons, as a record of the artist’s hand in the making process. While the edition prints are intended for general sale, APs carry a distinct status because they originate from the artist’s own workflow and often reflect the early, unadjusted state of a work. In contemporary practice, APs remain a meaningful distinction in the printmaking world, and they influence both provenance and market value.
The role of APs in the art market is not purely ceremonial. For collectors, APs can signify a closer tie to the artist’s creative intent and often command premium prices due to their rarity and association with the artist’s studio practice. Galleries and publishers, too, use the AP designation to balance elements of scarcity, authenticity, and accessibility. Because APs are produced outside the standard edition, they can test color, contrast, and alignment before the edition is finalized. This practical function sits alongside the prestige of owning a print that bears the artist’s direct mark. It also creates a framework for addressing questions of provenance, edition size, and ethical labeling in the marketplace. printmaking etching lithography certificate of authenticity
Definition and types
Artist's proof (AP): a proof print set aside for the artist or produced with the artist’s involvement to verify the state of the work during production. APs are traditionally marked with A.P. or AP and are not counted within the edition’s numbered sequence. They may be signed or lightly inscribed by the artist, and they often appear in limited numbers, though the size of an AP batch can vary considerably from one project to another. artist's proof
Bon à tirer (BT): a term borrowed from French printmaking meaning “good to pull.” The BT print is the final proof approved by the artist (and sometimes the printer) that sets the standard for color and composition before the main edition proceeds. BT can be considered a separate milestone in the workflow rather than a subset of the edition itself. The BT state is crucial for assessing whether the published edition faithfully represents the artist’s intentions. bon à tirer
Printer's proofs (P.P. or PTP): proofs kept by the printer or workshop staff to document the technical state of the print run. These are distinct from APs but can sometimes be part of the same production history. printmaking
Hors commerce (H.C.): proofs not for sale to the public, often used by the artist or studio for internal purposes. These are distinct from APs in their intended use and labeling. edition (artprint)
Variant proofs and additional states: over the years, printers and artists may issue different color states or experimental proofs that lie outside the standard edition and AP categories. These can carry their own market interest and provenance considerations. printmaking
The precise labeling and the legal status of APs can vary by country and by printing workshop. In practice, collectors and dealers look for clear documentation of how many APs were produced, whether they are signed, and how they relate to the edition in terms of color and paper. Clear provenance, including certificates of authenticity and documented correspondence, helps distinguish genuine APs from later impressions or mislabelled works. certificate of authenticity provenance
History and evolution
The concept of an artist’s proof arose with traditional printmaking techniques such as etching, engraving, and drypoint, where multiple impression states could be produced and inspected as the design evolved. In early modern printmaking, artists relied on proofs to confirm the quality of line, shading, and ink, and the practice naturally extended into color print processes like lithography and screen printing. Over time, the AP designation became a formal part of studio practice, moving from a purely functional testing stage to a mark of exclusive access and artistic involvement. The emergence of edition-based systems in the 19th and 20th centuries, along with the growth of print workshops and publishing houses, entrenched the AP as a recognizable category with distinct market implications. printmaking etching lithography
In the contemporary period, the AP concept has diversified. Some artists use APs as a way to acknowledge collaborators, keep a direct line to the creative process, or offer specially curated items to patrons. Others view APs as a way to balance artistic control with commercial distribution, ensuring that the final edition remains faithful to the artist’s original vision. The negotiation between artistic autonomy and market forces continues to shape how APs are labeled, priced, and traded. artist's proof gallery art market
Production, labeling, and market practice
The production of an AP typically occurs during the preparatory stages of an edition. The artist may print one or several proofs with direct involvement, testing color separation, ink density, and plate registration. These proofs are often retained by the artist or circulated to trusted members of the studio. When the BT is approved, the main edition proceeds, and a finite number of APs remain outside the edition count. Because APs are not part of the standard edition, their quantity is generally smaller, which can contribute to higher per-unit value in the market. However, the actual price premium depends on factors such as the artist’s stature, the edition size, the consistency of the AP state with the edition, and the transparency of documentation. certificate of authenticity provenance
Galleries and auction houses typically require clear documentation showing how many APs exist, whether they are signed or marked, and how they relate to the edition and to BT. For collectors, the distinction between APs and regular edition prints matters for valuation, display, and potential resale. The market often rewards APs that demonstrate the artist’s direct involvement and that show minimal post-production alteration relative to the final edition. Conversely, concerns arise when APs are marketed with insufficient or misleading labeling, leading to disputes over authenticity and value. forgery provenance
The debate over APs can feature competing priorities. Proponents argue that APs preserve the integrity of the artist’s process, protect the artist’s control over the work, and offer a meaningful, limited opportunity to own a piece with direct ties to the studio. Critics contend that too-tight control of the AP supply can distort market pricing, create artificial scarcity, and confuse buyers who expect uniformity across an edition. From a market-oriented perspective, transparency and consistent labeling—coupled with robust documentation—are essential to ensure that prices reflect genuine rarity and artistic value rather than performative scarcity. Critics who emphasize broad accessibility might argue for greater openness about the number and distribution of APs, though this is balanced against the rights of the artist and publisher to manage production. edition (artprint) certified provenance art market
Controversies in this area often intersect with broader discussions about authenticity, the role of galleries, and the boundaries between art and commodity. Some observers worry that APs can be used to inflate a work’s value beyond what the edition merits, while others defend the practice as a legitimate tool that honors the artist’s creative authority. In mainstream discourse, the most durable counter to misuse is clear, enforceable labeling, independent authentication, and transparent provenance records. The idea that market mechanics should govern value—rather than opaque privilege—resonates with a tradition of property rights and voluntary exchange. certificate of authenticity provenance copyright
From a practical standpoint, buyers should consider how an AP is integrated into the overall print run: the number of APs, whether they are signed, how they compare visually with the edition, and the credibility of the source documenting the AP status. While critics may stress equity concerns or cultural critiques, the core economic logic of scarcity, quality control, and verified authorship remains central to how APs function within the broader system of art production and commerce. artist's proof printmaking gallery