What is the difference between an original print and a reproduction?

An original print is an artwork the artist created through a printmaking process such as etching, lithography, woodcut, or screenprint. The artist designs the plate or block specifically for printing, and the prints are often produced in limited editions, signed and numbered in pencil.

A reproduction is a copy of an existing artwork, usually made photographically or digitally, such as an offset print or a giclee of a painting. Reproductions can be attractive and affordable, but they generally have far less value to collectors than original prints, even when signed.

To tell the difference, look closely with a magnifier. Offset reproductions often show a regular dot pattern, while many original printmaking techniques show ink sitting on or pressed into the paper. Check the margins for plate marks and pencil signatures, and ask the seller for documentation.