Artist's Proof

An Artist's Proof is a special subset of prints created during the printmaking process, originally intended for the artist’s personal use or for quality checks. Typically, they represent the initial impressions before the full edition is produced. Artists often number these proofs separately (e.g., “A.P.”) and sometimes retain or keep them for collectors. They are usually limited in number and are often valued as unique or rare items because they provide insight into the artist's working process and are considered a part of the artwork’s provenance.