Proovitrükkide

Proovitrükkide, also known as proof prints or trial prints, are an essential stage in the printmaking process. They serve as an intermediate step between the initial design and the final limited edition prints. Proovitrükkide allow the artist to evaluate and refine various aspects of the print before committing to the full production run.

The primary purpose of a proovitrükk is to check the registration of colors, the clarity of lines, the overall tonal balance, and the effectiveness of the chosen inks and papers. Artists will often create several proovitrükkide, making adjustments after each one. These adjustments might include altering the ink viscosity, modifying the pressure of the printing press, refining the carving or etching on the plate, or changing the color composition.

Proovitrükkide are typically marked with the abbreviation "AP" (Artist's Proof) or "PP" (Progressive Proof) in the margin, along with the artist's signature and the print number if it's part of a small, numbered series. While they are not part of the official limited edition, some collectors may be interested in acquiring them, especially if they represent significant stages in the artist's development of the print.

The creation of proovitrükkide is a testament to the meticulous nature of printmaking, emphasizing the importance of detail and the artist's control over the final aesthetic outcome of the artwork. They are a visual record of the print's journey from concept to completion.