Encyclopedia of Printing, Photographic and Photomechanical Processes. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada: 1994. Prints and Printmaking: An Introduction to the History and Techniques. London: British Museum, 1980. A Complete Guide to Manual and Mechanical Processes from Woodcut to Ink Jet, rev.

Currier & Ives: A Catalogue Raisonné: A Comprehensive Catalogue of the Lithographs of Nathaniel Currier, James Merrit Ives, and Charles Currier, including Ephemera Associated with the Firm, 1834–1907. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1984.

What is an Original Print? Principles Recommended by the Print Council of America. New York: Print Council of America, 1964. Reproductions have the virtue of being less expensive than originals, but they are not considered original artworks. The artist’s involvement is not required. Such reproductions use the same commercial printing processes used in producing magazine illustrations. Items advertised as fine-art prints or limited edition prints are sometimes photomechanical reproductions of paintings or drawings. Reproductions are often incorrectly referred to as prints. The total number of prints (or impressions) made of one image is an “edition.” The number may appear on the print with the individual print number as a fraction, such as 5/25, meaning this particular print is the fifth of twenty-five produced.

Each impression is considered to be an original. Other techniques include monotypes and digital prints or combinations of more than one technique. Each technique maintains the character of the marks made by the artist during the creative process. Planographic processes include lithography and serigraphy. Intaglio processes include etchings and engravings. Common relief techniques include woodcuts and linocuts. Techniques include three basic types-the ink is on the raised parts of the printing surface (relief), in lowered grooves (intaglio) or on the surface itself (planographic). Traditionally, printing has been defined as the transferring of ink from a prepared printing surface (a wood block, metal plate or stone carrying the image) to a piece of paper or other similar material. To begin your research, look for a catalogue raisonné (a complete listing of the artist’s works), if one has been published for that artwork. The condition of a print will also be an important factor in determining its market value. It can be difficult to answer these questions without taking the item to a museum print curator, auction house or certified art appraiser.

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