What is Limited Edition a print?

Limited Edition in fine art terms refers to a limited number of prints made of a particular composed and sized image. While there are no standardized rules for limited edition prints, usually print runs of high quality are limited to no more than 250 prints.

Prints are typically numbered and hand signed by the artist. The limited edition print number is written in a fraction form. The number to the left is the individual print number. And the number to the right indicates the total prints available in that edition. For example a print with the numbers 121/200 means this is print number 121 out of a total of 200 prints.

In addition to the limited prints made in an edition, many times artist proof prints will be produced as well. These are usually the first prints made in a series and are used by the print maker for the artist to approve the overall quality. These prints are not numbered, they are marked with an “AP” for artist proof. The artist proofs are signed by the artist indicating the artists approval and are used to compare and check the quality of all future prints made in the series.

Prints without limited edition markings are called “open editions”. Open editions may have countless prints made, and thus the value of open edition prints is much less compared to limited edition prints.

With all the limited edition prints I produce I prefer to keep my editions to no more than 250. In addition, I create a unique serial number for every limited edition infrared black and white photo print. When a client purchases a limited edition print, their name, address, and contact information are recorded as owners of that print. This helps assure the integrity and value of the limited edition prints over time.