What type of proof shows an image in a particular finished state of development?

The term that describes an image in a particular finished state of development is a state proof. This type of proof is specifically made to illustrate how a print will appear after a certain stage of the printing process has been completed. State proofs are often created to assess details, such as the clarity of lines, the balance of colors, and overall composition, before proceeding with production or final releases.

In contrast, a cancellation print refers to a print made from a plate that has been intentionally destroyed, signifying that the image will no longer be printed. A hors commerce proof is a type of print that indicates it is not intended for sale, often used for artist’s proofs or to share with collectors and galleries, but not representative of the intended final state of the work. A variable edition involves prints that may include alterations between copies, such as added elements or colors, making them unique rather than fixed in one completed state. Each of these terms relates to printmaking but describes different aspects of the proofing process, distinctly highlighting why a state proof is the most accurate answer for depicting a finished image development stage.