proffesionally framed picture was bought second hand and has art shop name on back?

Question

not at all sure if my picture or "print" is real or not. i just liked it and bought it for a few quid and now looking at the back it is very professionally framed and it just has me wandering about it, dont know the difference beween print and picture

Answer 1

You'll probably have to take it out of the frame and examin it closely to find out for sure.

If you see one signature that looks hand-written on TOP of the image (after the fact) it could be an original image. If there are one or more of the following it could be a watercolour:
If the paper is unusually thick, if you can see actual (erasable) pencil lines, if there is another image on the back of the paper, if there are colour sample strokes hidden on the edge of the paper, if there are staple holes all around the edge of the paper, if you can test a hidden area with water and the colour "lifts" (Smearing doesn't count - If it smears, it's a print.)

A single signature may also denote a monoprint, serigraph or other printing technique (would have to see it to know for sure).

If you see two signatures - one on the image and one on the white area beneath the image (where the image's edge is an absolute square line) it's a lithograph. If there's a number beneath the image as well (such as 2/100) it's one of a limited edition of prints. If the letters A/P or P/P appear after the number, it is an Artist's Proof or Printer's Proof respectively (higher perceived value than Ltd Ed print).

If the signature is printed right into the image then you may have an Open Edition print (unlimited number of prints made) and it's not worth a lot except for its personal appeal. On the other hand, it may be a book plate, and should be investigated further as to its rarity.

Take it to a reputable framer and have them look at it - hope you are pleased.

Answer 2

A print is basically a poster with a reproduction of a painting/other artwork printed on it.

It could be a lithograph. Lithography is "a printing process in which the image to be printed is rendered on a flat surface, as on sheet zinc or aluminum, and treated to retain ink while the nonimage areas are treated to repel ink."

It's hard to say without looking at it.
Maybe you could take it to a framing shop and ask them?

I used to work at a picture framing shop, and sometimes I still go to different shops to ask favors, and they're usually very nice, even if I'm not buying anything. They know a lot about art, and may be able to answer questions for you.

p.s. You may want to read this brief "What is a Print?" tutorial from the Museum of Modern Art if you'd like to learn a little more about different printing techniques. It's available at http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2001/whatisaprint/flash.html

Answer 3

An original is the actual artwork produced by the artist and is unique, a print is a reproduction of that work and there may be many copies of it. If you like the picture it doesn't really matter whether it is original or print, but if it is an original it may be worth getting a valuation, for insurance purposes, depending on who the artist is.