Art Jargon, Decoded
Lithograph
A lithograph is a print created from an original drawing made on a flat stone or metal plate. Unlike a standard reproduction, it's considered an authentic artistic medium in its own right, with each print produced using the artist's original design. Many celebrated artists, from Picasso to Matisse, worked extensively with lithography.
Giclée
Pronounced ‘zhee-clay’, a giclée is a high-quality fine-art print produced using specialist printers and archival inks. The process is known for its exceptional colour accuracy and longevity, making it a popular choice for artists and galleries looking to reproduce original works without compromising on detail.
Limited Edition
A limited-edition print is produced in a fixed quantity, meaning only a set number of copies will ever be made. Once the edition sells out, no more can be printed, which can make these works more desirable to collectors. The smaller the edition, the rarer the print is likely to be.
Open Edition
Unlike a limited edition, an open-edition print can be reproduced indefinitely. While these works are often more affordable and accessible, they don't offer the same sense of scarcity that many collectors look for when investing in art.
Artist's Proof (AP)
Artist's proofs are prints created in addition to the main edition, traditionally used by artists to check colour and quality before the final run. Today, they're often released for sale in small numbers and can be particularly sought-after thanks to their rarity.
Edition Number
Most limited-edition prints are marked with a fraction, such as 12/100. The first number indicates the individual print, while the second shows the total size of the edition. While lower numbers aren't necessarily more valuable, the numbering confirms the print's place within a finite series.
Screen Print
A screen print is created by pushing ink through a fine mesh screen onto paper, with each colour applied separately. The process produces bold, vibrant results and has been used by artists ranging from Andy Warhol to Bridget Riley.
Etching
Etching is a traditional printmaking technique in which an image is drawn onto a metal plate using acid. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, creating detailed, often highly textured prints that are prized for their craftsmanship.
Original Print
An original print is conceived by the artist specifically as a printmaking work, rather than as a copy of an existing painting or drawing. Although multiple impressions may exist, the print itself is considered an original artwork.
Reproduction Print
A reproduction print is a copy of an existing artwork, photograph or illustration. While these prints can be an affordable way to enjoy a favourite image, they're generally valued differently from original prints created by the artist as part of the creative process.
Archival
Archival materials are designed to stand the test of time. Archival paper, inks and framing materials are made to resist fading, yellowing and deterioration, helping artworks maintain their quality for decades.
Certificate Of Authenticity (COA)
A certificate of authenticity is a document that verifies an artwork's legitimacy. Often issued by the artist, gallery or publisher, it can provide important details about the work and offer reassurance to potential buyers.
Provenance
Provenance is the documented history of an artwork's ownership, tracing where it has been and who has owned it over time. Strong provenance can help establish authenticity and, in some cases, significantly increase a work's value.
Contemporary Art
Contemporary art generally refers to work created by living artists, or art produced from the late 20th century onwards. It's an intentionally broad category that encompasses everything from painting and sculpture to installation, photography and digital art.
Blue-Chip Artist
A blue-chip artist is someone with an established reputation, strong demand and a proven track record in the art market. Works by blue-chip names often command high prices and are considered relatively stable investments compared to those by emerging artists.
Primary Market
The primary market refers to artworks being sold for the first time, usually through a gallery representing the artist. Buying on the primary market means you're purchasing directly from the artist's official sales channel.
Secondary Market
The secondary market is where artworks are resold after their initial purchase. Auction houses, dealers and private sales all form part of the secondary market, where prices can fluctuate depending on demand and market trends.
Diptych
A diptych is an artwork made up of two connected panels designed to be viewed together. The panels may form a continuous image or explore related themes across two separate compositions.
Triptych
Similar to a diptych, a triptych consists of three connected panels. Historically associated with religious art, the format is still widely used by contemporary artists today.
Impasto
Impasto is a painting technique in which paint is applied thickly enough to create visible texture on the surface of the canvas. The result is a richly tactile finish that captures light and emphasises the artist's brushstrokes.
Site-Specific
Site-specific artworks are created for a particular location and are designed to respond to their surroundings. Moving the work elsewhere can fundamentally alter its meaning or impact.
Conservation Framing
Conservation framing uses museum-quality materials and techniques to help protect artwork from damage over time. This might include acid-free mounts, UV-protective glass and specialist backing materials designed to preserve a piece for future generations.
Museum Glass
Museum glass is a premium framing material designed to minimise reflections while filtering out harmful UV rays. It offers a clearer view of the artwork and provides added protection against fading.
Deckled Edge
A deckled edge is the soft, feathered border often found on handmade paper and some fine art prints. Collectors often value it as a sign of craftsmanship, and it's frequently left visible when a work is framed.
Condition Report
A condition report is a professional assessment of an artwork's physical state. It records any signs of wear, restoration or damage, helping potential buyers understand exactly what they're purchasing.
Vernissage
A vernissage is a private preview held before an exhibition opens to the public. Think of it as a VIP launch event, often attended by collectors, curators and the artist themselves.
Salon Hang
A salon hang refers to a display style in which artworks are hung closely together across an entire wall, often from floor to ceiling. Originally associated with 19th-century exhibitions, the look has become increasingly popular in contemporary interiors.
Catalogue Raisonné
A catalogue raisonné is the definitive scholarly record of an artist's body of work. It documents known pieces, their histories and relevant research, making it an important tool for authentication and provenance.
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