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Certificate of Authenticity
This is probably the most important thing to look for when purchasing photographs directly from an artist or a gallery. A Certificate of Authenticity is issued with limited edition prints, with the print publishing date, size of the image, original art media, number of prints in the edition, and of course a signature from the artist. The Certificate of Authenticity proves your status as the original owner of the piece and will often be used to determine the history behind a specific piece of art should it either be re-sold or undergo a change of ownership.
Limited Edition Prints L/E
A fixed number of identical prints of a specific image, signed by the artist, sequentially numbered, and showing both the prints number and the total edition size. Each print is often referred to as a limited edition print. Typically, prints in limited edition runs increase in value at a much higher rate due to their inherent rarity, making them much more difficult to find in the gallery, auction, and secondary markets.
Open Edition
The quantity of prints reproduced is not limited. As long as the image is in demand, it will be reprinted.
Signed and Numbered S/N
Prints that are authenticated with the artist's signature, the total number of impressions in the edition, and the order in which the impressions are signed. A numbering example may look something like this; L/E 5/350, indicating the fifth print of a limited edition of 350 impressions. This information can usually be found on the Certificate of Authenticity which always should accompany the actual print.
Signed Only
An open edition print which is signed by the artist but not numbered is signed only.
Proper Storage and Handling
Works of art on paper should be touched as little as possible. Be sure that your hands are very clean, or wear white cotton static free gloves which are available at many arts and crafts stores. Better yet, mat, frame, or store the works in a manner that permits viewing and transporting without direct handling. Be sure to use acid free mat bored that is thick enough to prevent your print from coming into contact with the glass of the frame.
Protection from Light
Light causes fading of all artwork; even archival quality photographic paper, paints, and fabrics. Art Museums take special precautions to limit exposure of its invaluable master-pieces to both natural and artificial light. Light can also darken or cause paper to become brittle. The damage to both pigment and paper is cumulative and irreversible. If you store your original works of art in a frame make sure to hang them away from any harsh and direct sources of light. If you choose to keep your art outside of a frame it is always best to store them in light tight acid free archival boxes which should be widely available through craft stores, gallery dealers, and major museums.
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