Art Print Terms A to Z: A Collector's Glossary

An art print glossary is simply a plain-English key to the labels you see when buying prints: edition types, formats, materials and paperwork. Below we define the terms that appear most often on Dane Manor Fine Art product pages, grouped alphabetically, with examples from the artists we represent.

Some of these words are general print-market language. Others are names that publishers use for particular releases, so we explain what they tell you and point to the product details you should always check.

A to C

Aluminium Di-Bond

A rigid panel with an aluminium surface, used as a base for printing instead of paper or canvas. It gives a crisp, contemporary finish. Innocence by Van Hargen Art, for example, is an aluminium Di-Bond edition of 45 with a 70 x 70 cm image.

Artist's proof (AP)

A small group of prints made in addition to the main edition and marked AP rather than given a standard number. Because there are fewer of them, many collectors seek them out. Our post on Night Calls by Jack Vettriano, an Artist's Proof 1 of 10, shows how one is presented.

Box canvas

A canvas stretched over a deep wooden frame, so it can hang without a separate frame. The Gift by Jody Craddock is a box canvas measuring 28 x 28 in, in an edition of 25.

Certificate of authenticity (COA)

A document that records the key details of a work, such as title, artist and edition. Every piece we sell comes with one, and it is worth keeping with your receipt.

D to G

Deluxe

A larger-format version of an edition. Who Ordered the Cannoli? (Deluxe) by Ben Jeffery is a Deluxe Studio Edition on canvas with a 76 x 122 x 10 cm image, in an edition of 45. Angels (ReMastered Deluxe) by Linda Charles is presented in a larger 92 x 64 cm format.

Edition size

How many prints exist in the main run, usually shown as the second figure in a number such as 12/45. We list the edition size on every product page.

Embellished or hand-finished

A work with extra touches added by hand on top of the surface, making each example slightly individual. Leanne Christie's oils, for instance, are embellished with glitter and gems.

Framed size and image size

The image size is the printed or painted picture itself. The framed size includes the mount and frame, so it is always larger. Need You Tonight (Miniature) by Linda Charles has a 17 x 10 cm image but measures 36.4 x 29.4 cm framed. Check which figure you are reading before planning a wall.

Giclée

A print made on a high-resolution inkjet printer using long-lasting pigment inks. It is one of the most common processes for modern limited editions on paper and canvas.

L to O

Limited edition

A print released in a set quantity, each example carrying its own number. When the edition has gone, no more are released. Our complete guide to collecting limited edition prints covers the basics in depth.

Miniature

A small-format release of an image. Need You Tonight (Miniature) by Linda Charles is an edition of 45 at £345 at the time of writing, a good way to own a favourite image where space or budget is tight.

Mixed media

A work that combines more than one material or technique. Queen Of Pop (Golden Stamp Miniature) by Sannib is a mixed media piece in an edition of 45.

Mount

The card border between the artwork and the frame. It holds the image away from the glass and gives it room to breathe. Our care and framing guide explains what to look for.

Open edition

A print with no fixed limit on numbers. Open editions are usually unsigned and unnumbered, which keeps them affordable.

Original

A unique work made directly by the artist, such as a painting or drawing, rather than a reproduction. There is only one.

P to S

Provenance

The ownership history of a work. Receipts, certificates and gallery paperwork all help to establish it.

Screenprint or silkscreen

A print built up one colour at a time by pushing ink through a fine mesh screen. Screenprints are prized for strong, flat colour. Examples include Memento Mori by Zinsky and St Paul's Skyline by Keith McBride, an edition of 45.

Secondary market

Where works are bought and sold after their first release, through dealers, galleries and auctions. Prices there depend on demand and can fall as well as rise.

Signed and numbered

Hand-signed by the artist and given its individual number within the edition. Together these show the print belongs to a controlled, limited run.

Sold out

An edition is no longer available from its publisher. After that, examples only become available second-hand.

Studio Edition

A name some publishers give to certain limited edition releases. It does not mean a single fixed process, so check the medium and edition size on the product page. Eastern Approach by Ben Payne, for example, is a Studio Edition on canvas with a 61 x 61 x 5 cm image, priced at £695 at the time of writing.

Study

A title used for a smaller or more focused treatment of a subject. Golden Majesty (Study) by Martin Robson is an edition of 45 with a 35 x 29 cm image.

T to Z

Triptych

A work in three parts designed to be seen together. Slip Sliding Away 2 (Triptych) by Sue Howells RWS is an edition of 75.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Deluxe and Miniature?

Both describe format. Deluxe is a larger version of an edition, while Miniature is a small one. The product page gives the exact image size for each.

Is a Studio Edition a limited edition?

It is a publisher's name for a release rather than a technical term, so always read the product page, which sets out the medium and edition details.

Does every piece come with a certificate of authenticity?

Yes. Every piece we sell is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Is an Artist's Proof a different image?

No. It is the same image as the main edition, simply set apart from the numbered run and usually far fewer in number.

See the terms in practice

The best way to learn this vocabulary is to read a few listings. Start with our featured piece, Who Ordered the Cannoli? (Deluxe) by Ben Jeffery, at £1,195 at the time of writing, then compare it with Innocence on aluminium Di-Bond or the Memento Mori screenprint by Zinsky. Every piece is fully insured in transit and arrives with its certificate.