Artist's proof

[2] The practices of signing or numbering impressions in the main edition had not begun, and in the absence of this, it is normally only when the image is clearly different from the final form that the term proof has any meaning.

[citation needed] But the term proof can be used in the case of a clear working proof of an old master print, like the two impressions of Albrecht Dürer's Adam and Eve (1504, British Museum and Albertina, Vienna) which show the figures largely finished but the background with only the main outlines lightly done.

[4] Some lithographs may be hand signed in the border and labeled "Epreuve D'Artiste", which means Artist's Proof, which also increases its value.

An artist's proof has special value because of its extra rarity and its possible differences from the "standard" print, factors that are often reflected in its price.

[7] Since many printmaking processes require expensive equipment, most artists choose to work with specialist printers.

Eric Gill 's proof of Cantet Nunc Lo (1916)
A proof of an etching by Hubert von Herkomer , without text, which would appear in the empty rectangular portion of the page above the artist's signature.