Limited edition aviation prints offer collectors the opportunity to own carefully produced artwork depicting significant aircraft, operations and moments in military aviation history.
The terminology can sometimes be confusing. A standard limited edition, an artist’s proof, a publisher’s proof and a remarque may feature the same main artwork, but differences in edition size, numbering, signatures and additional hand-drawn details can make each version distinct.
At JET Art Gallery, we want you to understand exactly what you are buying. The guide below explains the main print types you will encounter so you can choose the edition that best suits your collection.
A limited edition is restricted to a fixed number of prints. Each print is normally individually numbered — for example 125/500 — and many aviation editions are also signed by the artist. Once the stated edition has sold out, no further prints should be produced as part of that numbered edition.
An artist’s proof is produced alongside the main numbered edition and is usually marked A/P rather than with the standard edition number. Artist’s proofs are issued in smaller quantities and some aviation editions may include additional signatures or other features, making them particularly attractive to collectors.
Publisher’s proofs are a small group of prints retained by the publisher outside the main numbered edition. They may be marked P/P and can sometimes include additional signatures or presentation features. Because relatively few are produced, they can be harder to find than standard edition prints.
A remarque print includes an original hand-drawn sketch in the margin or border of the print, usually created by the artist. Each remarque is therefore individually distinctive. Some editions also feature double remarques with two drawings, making them especially appealing to collectors looking for something more personal and unusual.
Giclée printing uses high-quality digital reproduction to create detailed prints with excellent tonal and colour reproduction. When printed on canvas, the result can closely resemble the presentation of an original painting. Canvas giclée editions may be signed and produced in small numbers, depending on the artist and publisher.
