Butterfly - Artist's Proof

*Artist’s proofs are generally considered a status symbol in the world of art collecting. Their resale value is proportionally higher than the numbered editions.

Artists Proofs are impressions of a print taken during the printmaking process. They are used to evaluate the current state of a plate, stone, etc. while it is still being worked on by the artist. The artist will pull proofs to evaluate issues such as color and line and then alter the plate, stone, etc. accordingly until the print is perfected to the artist’s standards.

After perfecting the print, the artist will set aside a number of “artist’s proofs.” Though technically considered proofs, the quality of these prints is the same as those from the regular edition. Artist’s proofs are not included in the regular edition but are still of the same high quality; they are exactly the same as works from the regular edition, but are not numbered or noted as works from the regular edition.

Instead, artists will often designate artist’s proofs with the initials ‘A.P.’ for ‘Artist’s Proof’. The amount of artist’s proofs is 10% or less of the full edition.

Artist's proofs maintain their collectability and value because A) They are a small subset of the edition, and B) they usually come directly from the artist. In these days of mass marketing, getting something directly or even indirectly from the artist is rare.