Don't call them prints!
They're too often dismissed as "prints." But anyone familiar with the art world knows that behind this simple word lies an infinitely richer, more intricate and precious universe: that of graphic works, artist's editions, screenprints, lithographs, etchings, and woodcuts. These aren't mere reproductions — they are true originals, born from a direct and artisanal creative process, often involving close collaboration between artist and printmaker.
We know this well. That’s why we’re committed to championing these art forms, offering signed and numbered works by artists such as Sandro Chia, Mimmo Paladino, Joe Tilson, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, Carla Accardi, Mimmo Rotella, Piero Dorazio and many more.
What exactly is a graphic work?
A graphic work is a piece of art created in multiple copies through a printing technique chosen and directly overseen by the artist. It is an original and fully creative process - far removed from mechanical reproduction or mass-produced digital printing.
These editions are limited (often between 10 and 100 copies), each individually numbered and hand-signed by the artist. The most valuable examples are often accompanied by certificates of authenticity, stamps from historic ateliers, and inclusion in catalogue raisonnés.
A graphic work - specifically a silkscreen - by Piero Dorazio, created in collaboration with the Berardinelli Print Studio in Verona. Limited edition of 99, hand-signed and numbered.
The most common techniques: a heritage of beauty and craftsmanship
Silkscreen (Serigraphy): Used by Andy Warhol and many contemporary artists, silkscreen printing allows for vibrant colors, flat surfaces, and precise graphic repetition. The technique employs a mesh screen (usually polyester, steel, or nylon) stretched over a frame, known as a "serigraphic screen" or "silkscreen frame." The screen is used to transfer ink onto the chosen surface, typically paper.
Lithography: A drawing is made directly onto a stone or metal plate, capturing soft lines, tonal variations, and subtle shading. This technique has been used by great masters such as Picasso, Miró, Chagall and Hockney.
This original lithograph by Marc Chagall, titled “Écuyère Acrobate,” was created by the artist in 1959 in a limited edition of only 40 hand-signed and numbered prints.
Etching and Aquatint: Intaglio techniques that use acid-etched metal plates. Highly appreciated by artists like Lucian Freud and George Condo.
A perfect example of etching and aquatint: this limited edition by Sandro Chia was created in collaboration with the Berardinelli Print Studio in Verona. The artwork was produced in 45 hand-signed and numbered copies.
Woodcut (Xylography): A powerful and expressive technique involving the carving of a wooden block to remove non-image areas. The inked blocks are used to print multiple copies (on paper or sometimes on silk) using a press. This method was notably employed by masters such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.
Why collect multiples?
In addition to having recognized artistic and economic value internationally, limited edition artworks offer the opportunity to collect unique creations - often at a more accessible price compared to original paintings.
They are ideal for those starting a thoughtful collection or for enhancing it with works by artists already exhibited in museums and major international art fairs.
These authentic works of art are highly sought after and collected by enthusiasts, investors, and art lovers worldwide. Especially in the case of celebrated artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, George Condo, and Marc Chagall, such works often fetch remarkable and substantial prices.
As a practical example, a limited edition etching by Pablo Picasso titled “Le repas frugal,” created in 1904, was sold for approximately €7.2 million at Christie’s London in 2022. And this is just one of many similar high-profile sales.
A striking example: a silkscreen on Somerset paper by Robert Longo from 2025, titled “Eric, from the series ‘Men in the Cities’,” hand-signed and numbered by the artist.
Limited edition artworks by major artists - Warhol, Picasso, Hockney, Chagall, Condo, Longo, and others - change hands daily worldwide at average prices typically ranging between €10,000 and €50,000, depending on subject, year, rarity, condition, provenance, technique, and many other factors.
Pay attention to the details: signatures, numbering, paper, editions
No two limited editions are alike. The most sought-after pieces are those hand-signed by the artist, individually numbered (e.g., 14/75), and printed on high-quality papers such as Arches or Hahnemühle. Even more rare and desirable are Artist Proofs (A/P), Bon à tirer (BAT), trial proofs, or unique variants.
A graphic work by Pablo Picasso with a printed signature and handwritten numbering (say, from an edition of 50) is worth significantly less than a similar piece with a hand-signed pencil signature - but it still holds value and is perfectly marketable.
Provenance also plays a crucial role: historic ateliers and renowned print studios such as Berardinelli, Paragon Press, or ULAE are established guarantees of quality and worth.
In conclusion: don’t call them prints
These works result from authentic artistic gestures - thoughtful, technical, and often painstaking. They are artworks to be lived with and collected. An accessible gateway into the world of contemporary art, and a meaningful journey for even the most experienced collectors.
And remember: “print” is just a word. Art is something else entirely.