Unique prints

Commentary
Unique prints

Each pull from a copper plate is unique. The quality of a print is a consequence of the quality of the printing plate, the number of pulls made from the plate and a printer’s expertise, experience, and craft knowledge. Consequently, differences are expected between pages made from the same plate, which can be seen when series of the same printed image and its proof are compared. For example, a crease in the paper on the left-hand side of the centre proof ruins the plate. In other cases, printing differences have no effect on the scientific value of the plate, although its aesthetic appeal may be marred.