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GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY

Arabic Numbered Impression. Impressions from the commercial edition are usually designated by an Arabic number over another Arabic number. The lower number indicates the size of the edition; the upper number, the sequence in which the impressions have been signed. In the printing of an edition of lithographs, the first impression should be no different than the last impression signed, thus there is no reason to record the sequence in which they are printed. Artist's Proof. The artist's proof is an impression of comparable quality to the impressions of the numbered edition. These impressions are usually retained by the artist. Etching. An intaglio process in which a resin ground or acid-resistant wax material is applied to a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, and an image is cut into the ground by the artist using an etching needle or similar tool, to expose the metal of the plate. Acid is then applied to bite the plate, eating away the exposed lines.

Lithography. One of the four major divisions of printmaking in which a drawing is made with a greasy substance on a stone (limestone, marble, onyx) or metal plate (aluminum or zinc). Lithography is a planographic medium with impressions pulled from a perfectly flat surface, unlike intaglio and woodblock printing in which the surface is in relief. Original Lithograph. A print conceived and executed by the artist on a flat stone or plate and printed either by the artist or a collaborating printer. Each impression is pulled directly from the artist's drawing unlike offset lithography where the image is "offset" from a rubber blanket. Serigraphy. One of the four major divisions of printmaking, commonly referred to as silkscreen printing. Serigraphy is essentially a stencil process, in which ink is forced with a squeegee through a silk screen onto the paper below.