What is an artist proof?

An artist proof is a print made by the artist to check the progress of the work during the printing process. In traditional printmaking, such as etching or lithography, the artist proofs are typically the first few prints pulled from the plate or stone. These prints are used by the artist to make adjustments and tweaks to the image before starting the full edition.

Artist proofs are usually marked as such and may have additional annotations, such as AP or EA (épreuve d'artiste, French for artist proof), to distinguish them from the regular edition prints. They are often more sought after by collectors due to their limited availability and unique status.

In contemporary printmaking, digital artist proofs are also common, created using digital printing technology. These artist proofs serve a similar purpose as traditional artist proofs, allowing the artist to review and make adjustments to the work before producing the final edition.

Overall, artist proofs are important in the printmaking process as they provide artists with the opportunity to refine their work and ensure that the final edition meets their artistic vision.