Do prints devalue art?

Renata Muraškaitė
Jan 4, 2023
3 min read

"Do prints devalue art?" is a question that has been debated by artists, collectors, and art experts for decades. On one hand, prints allow artists to reach a wider audience and can bring attention to their work. On the other hand, some people argue that prints are not "original" works of art and therefore are not as valuable.

To understand the impact of prints on the value of art, it's important to first understand what is meant by "prints" in the art world. In general, a print is a reproduction of a work of art that has been created through a printing process, such as lithography, screen printing, giclée and etching.

Lithography

Lithography is a printing process in which a flat stone or metal plate is used to transfer an image onto a printing surface. It is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. The artist draws an image onto the printing plate with a greasy substance such as a crayon or ink, and then the plate is washed with water. When the plate is pressed onto paper, the water repels the ink from the non-image areas, allowing the ink to be transferred only to the image areas. The plate is then pressed onto paper, creating a print of the original image. Lithographic prints are often of lower quality than other types of prints and are generally less valuable.

Screen printing

Screen printing, also known as serigraphy, is a printing technique in which a fine mesh screen is used to transfer ink onto a printing surface. The artist creates a stencil of the image on the screen, and then ink is forced through the screen onto the printing surface. This process can be used to print on a variety of materials, including paper, fabric, and ceramics. Serigraphs are generally of higher quality than lithographs and are considered more valuable.

Giclée

Giclée printing, also known as inkjet printing, is a process that uses high-quality, archival inks and fine art papers to produce digital prints. The name "giclée" is derived from the French word "gicler," meaning "to squirt or spray," referring to the way in which the ink is applied to the printing surface. Giclée prints are known for their accuracy, vibrancy, and longevity, making them a popular choice for fine art reproductions and limited edition prints. The process involves spraying microscopic droplets of ink onto the printing surface, resulting in prints with a high level of detail and smooth gradations of color. Giclée prints are often considered to be of higher quality and longer-lasting than other types of digital prints. Giclée prints are known for their high level of detail and are often used to reproduce paintings or photographs. Giclée prints can be quite valuable, especially if they are limited edition and signed by the artist.

Etching

Etching is a printing process in which an image is created by cutting, or etching, into a metal plate. The artist covers the metal plate with a thin layer of wax, and then draws the image onto the wax using a sharp tool. The plate is then placed in an acid bath, which eats away at the metal not covered by the wax, creating grooves in the plate. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image from the plate onto the paper. Etching is often used to create fine, detailed prints with a rich, textured quality.

Now that we've discussed the different types of prints, let's consider the impact of prints on the value of original art as prints are not "original" works of art. An original work of art is one that has been created by the artist's own hand, rather than being a copy or reproduction of another work. In this sense, prints are not considered original works of art because they are created using printing processes rather than being directly created by the artist.

However, this argument is not necessarily a decisive factor in determining the value of a print. Many famous artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, have created prints that are highly valued by collectors. In these cases, the value of the print is often determined by the reputation and success of the artist, as well as the rarity and quality of the print itself.

One way that prints can be valuable is through the process of editioning. Editioning is the practice of creating a limited number of prints from a particular artwork. For example, an artist might create an edition of 50 prints of a particular painting. Each print in the edition is numbered, with the first print being designated as "print 1/50" and the last being "print 50/50". The smaller the edition size, the more rare and potentially valuable the prints will be.

However, it's important to note that not all prints are created equal, and the value of a print can vary greatly depending on the quality of the printing process and the materials used. A high-quality print made with archival-grade materials will generally be more valuable than a lower-quality print made with cheaper materials that are prone to fading or discoloration over time.

Another factor that can affect the value of a print is the reputation and success of the artist. A print by a well-known and successful artist is more likely to be valuable than a print by a lesser-known artist, even if the printing process and materials are similar.

So, do prints devalue art? It's difficult to say definitively, as the value of a print (or any work of art) is determined by a complex combination of factors. Some people might argue that prints are not as valuable as original works of art because they are reproductions rather than one-of-a-kind creations. However, the value of a print can also be influenced by the reputation and success of the artist, the quality of the printing process and materials, and the rarity of the print (if it is part of a limited edition).

In the end, the value of a print (or any work of art) is a subjective matter that will depend on the individual viewer or collector. Some people might see the value in a print as a way to affordably own a piece of art by a well-known artist, while others might only be interested in collecting original, one-of-a-kind works. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide what they consider to be valuable in the world of art.

Here at MURASHKO art studio, we offer signed and numbered prints of couple paintings. Check it yourself! 👇 Or follow the link here.