Why Collect Fine Art Prints

What are fine art prints?

Fine art prints are often confused with posters or reproductions, but they are much more than that. These prints are original artworks created through specific printmaking processes, such as lithography, etching, screen printing, and digital techniques. Fine art prints are often produced in limited editions, which means that the artist decides on a set number of prints, after which no more will be made. This aspect of scarcity is crucial to understanding the value of fine art prints, also known as limited edition prints, original prints or signed prints.

While fine art prints are not unique in the sense that multiple copies exist, they are still considered original artworks. The limited edition aspect ensures their scarcity and value. Artists control how many prints are produced, and once the edition is completed, no more copies are made. To further preserve the exclusivity of the artwork, the artist often destroys the physical means of production, such as printing plates or screens, ensuring that no additional prints can be created. This practice guarantees the authenticity of each print and protects its value over time.

For collectors, this scarcity creates an appeal similar to owning a unique piece. Even though it’s part of a series, each print retains the artist’s original intention and craftsmanship. Furthermore, every print within an edition is usually numbered and signed by the artist, which provides both an element of exclusivity and verification of authenticity.

Why collect fine art prints?

In the world of art collecting, fine art prints are sometimes undervalued or misunderstood. Many people believe that only unique works like paintings, sculptures, or installations are worth collecting, but fine art prints offer an accessible and enriching way to build a meaningful art collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, fine art prints provide the chance to own original works by famous artists, appreciate the craftsmanship involved, and even see your collection grow in value over time. In this article, we’ll delve into why fine art prints are a valuable addition to any art collection, incorporating a range of practical and artistic reasons for their worthiness.

1. Fine art prints are affordable

Fine art prints are ideal for new collectors because they provide a lower entry barrier to the art world. Original paintings or sculptures often require significant financial investment, but fine art prints offer an affordable way to start collecting. Because they are typically less expensive than one-of-a-kind works, prints allow collectors to make their first purchases without taking on significant financial risk. This makes fine art prints an excellent way to learn about artists, techniques, and art movements before diving into higher-priced acquisitions.

For new collectors, this affordability also means they can experiment with different styles and genres, expanding their knowledge and tastes without the fear of losing large amounts of money. They can make mistakes without losing a fortune, which is invaluable in the art world where personal tastes and market dynamics can change over time.

One of the joys of collecting fine art prints is the ability to constantly collect and build your collection over time. Since prints are more affordable than unique works, collectors can add multiple pieces to their collection instead of being limited to just one expensive artwork. This makes it possible to create a diverse and rich collection that includes a wide range of artists, styles, and movements.

Additionally, for those who already collect other mediums like paintings or sculptures, fine art prints offer the chance to complete and complement their collection. Many collectors might overlook printmaking, but to truly understand an artist’s body of work, it’s important to include all mediums they’ve embraced. Prints are often an essential part of an artist’s practice, providing a different perspective on their creative process.

Fine art prints offer collectors the opportunity to own an original artwork at a fraction of the cost of a unique piece. Although each print is part of an edition, it remains an authentic creation by the artist, often produced under their direct supervision. This gives collectors the satisfaction of owning a piece of an artist’s creative vision, without the financial strain that often accompanies acquiring a singular work.

Many renowned artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Joan Miró, have made prints an integral part of their artistic practice. For these artists, the prints are not merely reproductions; they are works of art in their own right. As such, owning a limited edition print by a famous artist can be as prestigious as owning one of their original paintings or sculptures.

Printmaking plays a significant role in the careers of many artists, both past and present. Some artists use printmaking as an artistic medium in its own right, creating pieces that stand alongside their paintings or sculptures. Others use printmaking to explore variations or studies of other works, making limited edition prints an essential part of their creative development.

For collectors who want to fully appreciate and represent an artist’s body of work, it’s important to include prints in their collection. Some artists are wholly dedicated to printmaking, like Käthe Kollwitz or Edvard Munch, and focusing solely on their paintings or sculptures would miss a significant portion of their artistic output.

Fine art prints provide access to works by internationally recognized artists whose pieces are featured in museums around the world. Owning original artworks by artists of museum stature may seem out of reach, but fine art prints make it possible to own pieces by artists like René Magritte, Ed Ruscha, or Gerhard Richter. These works are often created during important phases of the artist’s career, offering collectors a tangible connection to the history of art.

An additional advantage of collecting fine art prints is the ability to compare their authenticity more easily than unique works. Because prints in an edition are produced in multiples, collectors can examine factors such as the artist’s signature, edition number, date, and other identifying marks to ensure the artwork’s provenance. This level of comparability gives collectors peace of mind when purchasing prints, reducing the risk of acquiring a forgery.

Furthermore, prints are often included in an artist’s catalogue raisonné, a scholarly inventory of all the artist’s known works. This visibility in art history provides an added level of assurance for collectors and enhances the historical and financial value of the print.

Fine art prints offer a unique opportunity for investment, with lower risk compared to one-of-a-kind works. Because prints are often more affordable and have a broader appeal, they are typically easier to resell, making them part of a more liquid market. While an original painting might sit unsold for years, limited edition prints – particularly those by renowned artists – tend to attract more buyers and move more quickly.

This liquidity makes fine art prints an appealing investment, especially for collectors who are looking to diversify their portfolio without taking on excessive financial risk. Many prints appreciate in value over time, especially as the artist’s reputation grows, giving collectors the potential for both personal enjoyment and financial return.

In addition to their affordability and artistic value, fine art prints are incredibly versatile and suited to today’s modern, flexible lifestyle. Easy to transport and display, prints are usually smaller and lighter than large paintings or sculptures, making them perfect for people who move frequently or enjoy changing their living space’s look. Whether you’re renting an apartment or rearranging your home, prints can be easily rotated and re-hung to keep your environment fresh and dynamic.

Collecting fine art prints offers a wealth of benefits for both new and established collectors. From their affordability and accessibility to their connection to art history and investment potential, prints are an enriching way to build a diverse and valuable collection. Their scarcity, coupled with their portability and flexibility, makes them a perfect fit for modern lifestyles, while their ability to complement and complete a collection helps collectors understand an artist’s full creative practice.

By choosing fine art prints, collectors can enjoy the satisfaction of owning original works by world-renowned artists, gain a deeper appreciation for different techniques and movements, and build a collection that reflects their personal taste and evolving interests.

Collect fine art prints online. Catering art collectors from around the globe, MLTPL focusses on the specific needs of online buyers: transparent pricing, accurate condition reports, professional packaging and quick shipping.

MLTPL ships worldwide. We focus on professional packaging and fully traceable shipping. Where possible, we ship our fine art prints flat between fiberboards and two layers of solid cardboard. We aim to dispatch in under 5 days.

All shipped fine art prints are covered by our door-to-door transport insurance. In the unlikely event of physical damage or loss, the artwork will therefore be fully insured.

When buying fine art prints online, the artwork’s condition and its truthful description are key. We follow a rigorous standard when selecting new artworks for our collector base, whilst providing accurate condition reports and high-resolution images.