What is a print?
What is a print? A print is a work of art created through the transfer of an image from one surface (called a matrix) to another (typically paper) using a variety of specialised techniques. Unlike a simple reproduction, a fine art print is an original artwork where the artist directly participates in the creation process, often working closely with master printers to produce a limited edition of carefully crafted impressions.
The fundamental essence of printmaking lies in its transformative process. An artist creates an original image on a matrix – which could be a metal plate, wood block, stone, screen, or digital platform – and then transfers this image onto paper through various technical methods such as etching, lithography, screenprinting, woodcut, or intaglio. Each technique offers unique textural and visual characteristics, allowing artists to explore different aesthetic possibilities that are impossible through direct drawing or painting.
What a print is not is equally important to understand. A print is not a photographic reproduction or a mechanical copy of an existing artwork. Mass-produced posters, digital prints from online shops, or museum gift shop reproductions are not considered fine art prints. These are simply copies, lacking the artist’s direct involvement in the printing process and the nuanced craftsmanship of a true print.
In the world of fine art, prints are valued for their complexity, intentionality, and the skill required to create them. Each print in an edition is typically signed and numbered by the artist, indicating its authenticity and place within the limited series. For instance, a print marked “3/50” means it is the third impression in a total edition of 50, making each print both an individual artwork and part of a controlled, collectible series.
The technical diversity of printmaking means that artists can create dramatically different effects. An etching might offer delicate, line-based imagery with subtle tonal variations, while a screenprint could provide bold, flat areas of vibrant colour. A woodcut might showcase raw, expressive grain textures, and a lithograph could mimic the fluidity of drawing. This versatility makes prints a unique and compelling art form that bridges technical skill with creative expression.
Economically and historically, prints have played a crucial role in democratising art. They allow artists to create multiple original works that can be more affordable than unique paintings, making art accessible to a broader audience. From Albrecht Dürer’s Renaissance engravings to Andy Warhol’s pop art screenprints, printmaking has been a powerful medium for artistic innovation and social communication.
For collectors and art enthusiasts, understanding the nuanced world of prints means appreciating the skill, intention, and artistic vision embedded in each impression. A true fine art print is not just an image, but a carefully crafted object that represents the artist’s technical mastery and creative vision.