Author Prints: History, Technique, and Function in Contemporary Art

These works, created using traditional or innovative printing techniques, allow collectors to own an authentic piece by an artist at an accessible cost, while maintaining high aesthetic and collectible value.

The Origins of Author Prints

The history of author prints dates back to the 15th century, with the first woodcuts and copper engravings. Artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt transformed printmaking into an autonomous art form capable of spreading visual culture across Europe.

Today, the concept of the author print extends to digital graphics and pigment printing but retains the same philosophy: controlled reproduction, signed and authorized by the artist.

The Main Techniques: Between Tradition and Innovation

Art prints can be created using a variety of techniques, each characterized by unique features and results:

• Woodcut (Xylography): Carving on wood, ideal for strong contrasts and tactile textures.

• Lithography: Printing on stone or metal, admired for its soft tonal qualities.

• Etching and Aquatint: Intaglio techniques that allow for refined gradations.

• Screen Printing (Serigraphy): The most popular technique of the 20th century, used by artists such as Warhol and Lichtenstein for its chromatic impact and limited reproducibility.

• Giclée and Fine Art Digital Printing: Modern techniques that ensure museum-quality results and long-lasting durability.

The Value of an Author Print: Key Influencing Factors

The value of a print or screen print depends on several factors:

• Limited and numbered edition, signed by the artist;

• Technique used and quality of materials;

• The artist’s relevance in the art world;

• The work’s condition and preservation.

In the collectors’ market, some contemporary author screen prints reach considerable prices, especially when created in collaboration with renowned workshops or master printers.

Opportunities in the Online Auction Market

In recent years, the market for author prints and screen prints has found new ways to increase in value through online auctions and specialized digital platforms.

Buyers can access certified works from private collections, with transparent market valuations and greater accessibility compared to traditional gallery channels.

Author prints are not mere reproductions but original artworks in every respect — the result of skilled craftsmanship and collaboration between artist and printer. Whether it’s a Miró lithograph or a limited contemporary screen print, each piece tells a fragment of art history, made increasingly accessible to a broader audience thanks to digital innovation.

Keep an eye on the “Art and Collectibles” category on our marketplace Gobid.it, dedicated to online auctions. You may find interesting opportunities for screen prints and author prints up for auction, along with many new offers from the art world.

Internal Editorial Team