The collector’s guide
Begin with what
speaks to you.
A few useful ideas, a little shared knowledge, and a conversation can make the world of art feel more familiar.
Look beyond the image.
Ask about the artist, medium, dimensions, condition, signature, and edition. These details help you understand the particular work you are considering.
Know your edition.
A limited edition has a defined print run. A signature, an edition number, and any proof designation are distinct details. Ask the gallery to explain the markings on a specific work.
Think about the whole piece.
Consider framing, display space, and shipping alongside the artwork itself. We can discuss practical details before you make a decision.
How do I inquire about a work?
Contact us with the title and artist of the piece you are interested in. We can discuss current availability, condition, dimensions, edition details, and shipping before you decide.
Can you help me find a particular artist?
Tell us the artist, subject, medium, and approximate budget you have in mind. Our relationships with dealers, publishers, auction houses, and private collectors help us explore possible options.
Can I offer artwork to the gallery?
Email info@deluxefineart.com with a list of your works, photographs, artist names, edition or signature details, and your asking prices. The gallery will contact you if interested.
Do you offer framing?
We sell most of our pieces unframed (unless otherwise noted). Often framing can be arranged but will require a two to three week lead time and additional costs for shipping a framed, boxed piece of art. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide via UPS or USPS, depending on the destination, package size, and most cost-effective shipping method available. Shipments are packed in-house and fully insured. Contact us for a shipping quote.
Where can I find auction information?
Visit our Live Auctions page using the link below to browse a past catalog hosted by LiveAuctioneers. That auction is closed. Future live auctions will be announced on that page; contact the gallery for information about upcoming events.
The language
of collecting.
Edition markings and print inscriptions tell you more about how a work was made. Use this reference when reading a listing or discussing a piece with the gallery.
Jump to abbreviationsUnderstanding print proofs
Proofs are prints authorized by the artist in addition to the regular signed and numbered edition. The total edition includes those numbered prints and all authorized proofs. Proofs are generally signed by the artist.
A proof may also have its own numbering: AP 5/20 means the fifth print in a set of twenty artist’s proofs.
- Artist’s proofAP / E.A.
- A print intended for the artist’s personal use, outside the regular numbered edition. Traditionally, approximately ten percent of an edition may be reserved as artist’s proofs, though the proportion can be higher. The French term is épreuve d’artiste. AP or E.A. commonly appears at the lower left of the work.
- Hors commerce proofHC
- A print identical to the edition print, intended as a sample for dealers and galleries. These proofs may or may not be signed by the artist.
- Printer’s proofPP
- A print retained by the printer as a reference. Artists often sign these prints as a gesture of appreciation.
Abbreviations you may see
From the edition number to the names behind the printing process.
- 2nd ed
- Second edition
Prints of the same image as the original edition, altered in some way, such as color, paper, or printing process.
- AP
- Artist’s proof
A print reserved for the artist; see the proof types above.
- Del
- Delineavit
Latin for “drew it.” Generally appears next to the artist’s signature.
- E.A.
- Épreuve d’artiste
The French designation for an artist’s proof.
- Exc / Imp
- Excudit / impressit
Marks identifying the publisher or printer: “published it” or “printed it.”
- HC
- Hors commerce
An edition print intended as a sample for dealers and galleries.
- Inc. / Sculp
- Incidit / sculpsit
Marks identifying the engraver who cut or engraved the master plate.
- Inv. / Invent
- Invenit
Latin for “designed it.” Generally appears next to the artist’s signature.
- Lith. / Litho
- Lithographed by
Identifies lithographic production; often appears with the lithograph printer’s name.
- Pinx.
- Pinxit
Latin for “painted it.” Generally appears next to the artist’s signature.
- PP
- Printer’s proof
A print retained by the printer; see the proof types above.
- TP
- Trial proof
An abbreviation for a trial proof.
Markings vary by artist, publisher, and edition. Ask us about the markings on a specific work. Historical inscription meanings can also be explored in the Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus.
Ready for the practical details?
Read about payment options, shipping, insurance, returns, and artwork terms. Online shopping is coming soon; purchases are currently arranged with the gallery.
Purchasing & policiesExplore our auctions.
Future live auctions will be shared here. In the meantime, browse a past Deluxe Fine Art auction on LiveAuctioneers. This catalog is from a closed auction and is provided for reference.
Explore our auctions