Editionsdrucke

Editionsdrucke, also known as artist prints or limited edition prints, are original artworks created by an artist that are produced in a limited quantity. Unlike mass-produced reproductions, each print in an edition is considered an original work, signed and numbered by the artist. This practice allows a wider audience to acquire original art at a more accessible price point than unique paintings or sculptures.

The process of creating an editionsdruck typically involves techniques such as etching, lithography, screen printing, or woodcut. The artist conceives and executes the artwork using these methods, and then a specific number of impressions are made. Once the edition is complete, any remaining plates or screens are usually destroyed or altered to prevent further prints from being made, thus maintaining the exclusivity of the edition.

Each print within an edition is usually signed by the artist, often in pencil in the lower right-hand margin. The artist also typically indicates the number of the print within the edition, such as "15/100," meaning it is the fifteenth print out of a total of one hundred. Prints that are not part of a numbered edition but are still produced under the artist's supervision may be designated as "artist's proofs" (APs) or "hors commerce" (HC) prints, which are also considered original works. Editionsdrucke are an important part of contemporary art, bridging the gap between unique artworks and commercial reproductions.