How is an edition defined in the context of printmaking?

In the context of printmaking, an edition refers to the total number of prints made from a single printing, which is an important aspect of the printmaking process. Each print in an edition is typically considered to be part of a specific series that shares the same image, created using the same technique, and printed from the same plate or block. This practice allows artists to produce a number of identical works that maintain a high level of fidelity to the original image.

A well-defined edition helps to establish the artwork’s scarcity and value in the art market. It is common for artists to number prints within an edition (e.g., 1/100 for the first print of a total of 100), which signifies the total prints produced and indicates its place in that series. This helps collectors understand the rarity and potential value of the artwork they are purchasing. Other choices, while related to printmaking, do not accurately capture the definition of an edition. For example, unique prints or exhibition counts do not reflect the idea of a controlled series that defines an edition.