What is an Original Print?

The Art Dealer

Dealers should help the public to understand the difference between a reproduction and an original print and should explain the processes of printmaking.

Whatever is sold should be accurately described. As a reproduction, if it is a reproduction; as an original print, if it is an original print.

Dealers should obtain from publishers or other sources of supply assurance that the work is original, a description of how the print was made and other pertinent facts.

If the dealer knows or suspects that more impressions were made from the plate than are indicated on the print, he should inform the customer. Of course, if the dealer has reason to believe that a signature has been added, either by the artist or anyone else, he should tell the customer.

In all printed matter, including catalogs and advertisements, reproductions should be clearly distinguished from originals, and, where there is any question as to the originiality of a print, a full statement should be made, showing among other things the processes used and who used them, both in making the plate and printing from it.

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Copyright © 1961 Print Council of America
Used with permission.