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The Global Insight

What is a proof etching?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 11, 2026

An artist’s proof is an impression of a print taken in the printmaking process to see the current printing state of a plate while the plate (or stone, or woodblock) is being worked on by the artist.

What does original etching mean?

Original etchings are made during the etching process and as a part of related print sessions. From this, the artist creates his limited supply, which is often numbered, before storing the etching plate. Many years later, usually upon the artist’s death, the etching is used to create more prints.

Are artist’s proofs worth more money?

All things like being equal like they are of the same quality and kept in the same condition, then generally Artist Proofs are more expensive than limited edition items. You can expect to pay anywhere between 20% and 50% more for an artist print.

What is the difference between a print and an etching?

Difference Between Etching and Print Etching includes the act of printing. Once a metal plate has been etched, the wax ground is removed and its surface is covered in ink. A print is the final product, while etching is the entire process by which the etching print is produced.

Is an artist proof an original?

Historically, the artist proof had a different meaning than it does today. Today, the Artist Proof is a small print edition with the size being determined by the artist and print maker. Many artists print 10-15% of the original edition, but at P. The artist is the owner of the Artist Proof edition.

Is an artist proof more valuable than a numbered print?

Myth 4 An artist’s proof is more valuable than a numbered print. Artist’s proofs (APs) are an additional, smaller number of prints often used for promotional purposes. “The truth is that once an AP enters the market, it is equal to any numbered print.

Is an etching an original?

Most modern etchings are then signed and numbered to establish an edition. While this process is fairly easy to describe it requires a high degree of skill on the part of the artist. Even though there is more than one etching, each is considered an original work of art because it is not a copy of anything else.

Are artist prints worth anything?

Prints can be just as valuable as any other artwork and certain prints are known to reach seven or eight-figure prices at auctions. Since they cost only a fraction of the price of a painting or a photograph, prints are also a great way for new art collectors to kick off their collection.

Can you sell Artist Proof?

Yes, A/P means artist’s proof. An artist might give them as gifts, or might sell them if the rest of the edition is sold out and there’s a demand. There are no “rules” on selling an AP that is an original print that I know of.

How is an etching done on a plate?

The remaining ground is then cleaned off the plate. Ink is applied to the plate and wiped leaving ink in the sunken lines only. The plate is then pressed on to damp paper to create the print. Multiple copies of the etching can be produced.

Which is the oldest type of etching in the world?

Each involved crafting an image on a metal plate, inking the plate, and running the plate and paper through a printing press. Copper engraving is the oldest technique and was very popular during the Renaissance.

How can you tell if an etching is authentic?

The pressure transfers the image to the paper. Since the copper plate has thickness, it “dents” the paper around the edge of the image. This “dent” is called a plate impression. You can see it and feel it around the edge of the plate.

What do you need to know about etching metal?

The etching process involves use of acids (mild or strong) to etch the drawing on the surface of a metal plate. In simple words, only the area which is to be drawn and printed is etched. The common medium used in etching are metal plates made of zinc, copper, steel, iron, etc. The plat… Loading…