What is the difference between an Artists Proof and a print?
Technically, an Artists Proof and a print begin as the same image. The Artist Proof (A/P) in modern lithography arose from the tradition of hand pulled prints. When a print was hand made, the first ones approved by the artist occasionally had slight variations, which gave them a greater perceived value. This custom has been carried on, though modern technology allows for consistent reproduction throughout the printing. Generally, the edition of Artists Proofs is 10% of the original edition. Each is signed and numbered and designated A/P. With the rarity of the Artist Proof, they are much sought after by collectors, and often available only from the artist.
