A collector's guide: tips for choosing a graphic work
What is graphic art?
Graphic artis a true work of art, of which a very limited and controlled number of prints are produced. It encompasses a range of techniques, from the most traditional, such as woodcut,to the most modern, such as offset printing. Althoughthe process is constantly evolving , they all begin in the same way: the artist transfers an image created on a support, such as a metal, wood, or stone plate, or a roller, to a surface, usually paper or fabric.The best-known techniques are engraving, etching, lithography, and screen printing .They all share the similarities and particularities specified below.
Recorded
Using an etching needle, the artist inscribes an image onto a wax-coated metal plate. This plate is then immersed in an acid that etches away the exposed metal along the etched lines. The longer the plate remains in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines become. The plate is then removed, cleaned, and inked. Dampened paper and a protective cloth are placed over the plate, which is pressed through an etching press. The pressure forces the paper onto the etched lines to pick up the ink. The image is thus printed in reverse, and the edges of the plate leave a mark known as a 'plate mark'.
Etching
It consists of applying varnish or wax to a metal plate or sheet of iron and zinc alloy, or copper or brass. A design is drawn on this varnish with a sharp instrument, and the plate is then immersed in a solution of acid and water (etching), which corrodes the metal in the drawn areas. As with engraving, the deeper the immersion, the deeper the grooves created. This allows for a greater amount of ink to be placed in these grooves when the varnish is removed and printing takes place. Printing is carried out by saturating the surface of the plate with ink, placing a sheet of paper on top, and passing it through a press.Lithography
The artist draws on a stone using special lithographic colored pencils or grease-based ink. The stone is treated with a chemical solution that ensures the image attracts the ink, while the blank areas repel it. A solvent fixes the image, and the surface is dampened with water. Oil- or grease-based ink is applied to the stone with a roller, adhering only to the image. The stone is then placed in a lithographic press, covered with damp paper and cardboard, and a pressure bar ensures that the force is applied evenly across the image, which will be printed in reverse. Separate stones can also be used for complex, multi-colored images. (See the history of lithography )
Serigraphy
Theimage is sculpted onto a sheet of paper or plastic film, creating a stencil. This stencil is placed in a frame, which has a layer of fine mesh stretched across it, forming a "screen." A sheet of paper is placed beneath the screen, and ink is pushed through the stencil from above, using a blade or squeegee. Only the cut-out portions of the stencil will be printed. In addition to stencils, a photographic image can be reproduced on the screen using light-sensitive gelatins.
Is a printout just a copy of the original?
As already mentioned, an 'original' print is technically a unique work, since only a small, limited, and controlled number of prints, called an edition, are produced. This edition number is usuallywritten as a fraction, for example, 29/100, by hand by the artist, who also signs each print.The number on the right indicates the size of the edition, in this case 100, while the number on the left indicates the number of the individual print.An artist may also produce a limited number of artist's proofs, often marked PA, which are identical in nature to the standard edition. Prints of lithographs, woodcuts, etchings, engravings, or serigraphs are, therefore,true works of art, as important as drawings or other works on paper. Most great artists have dedicated themselves to printmaking because it has the advantage of being more affordable while still maintaining the characteristics of paintings: quality, value, investment potential, and appreciation .
Paper usedand margins, why are they important?
Paper selection is an important part of the printing process, as it can directly influence the appearance of the printed image. Furthermore, when examining a print, it's advisable to note whether the artwork was printed on the entire sheet or if the image has margins, meaning the paper wasn't subsequently trimmed. This is a problem that does affect the print's value (less so in the case of screen prints, as these are often full-sheet prints).
What is the role of graphic art in a collection?
Prints, whether engravings, lithographs, or serigraphs, can be an excellent way to begin building your own collection. Their lower prices compared to paintings allow buyers to acquire an original work without spending large sums of money. Furthermore, prints allow you to experiment with or become familiar with different styles and artists in the same way as other media, but at a more attractive price.
How should I care for my graphic work?
After acquiring a work of art, it is important to consider its care for long-term preservation, as both its main material, paper fiber, and the various inks used during printing are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Therefore, it is recommended to frame it properly and find a place to display it away from direct sunlight, especially if it is a work with bright colors. It is also advisable to keep the artwork well away from any source of humidity and, above all, never cut the sheet to try to fit it into a smaller frame.
