Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the terms used in collecting fine art photography.

Bodyscape

A photograph of the human form abstracted until it reads as landscape; skin, light and line composed so the body becomes terrain. A genre of fine-art photography, distinct from nude or portrait work.

Abstract photographic art

Photography valued for its formal qualities — light, line, tone, texture — rather than for depicting a recognisable subject.

Limited edition

A work released in a fixed, stated number of prints, after which the edition is closed and never reprinted.

Open edition

A work reproduced without a fixed limit; not scarce, and generally not collectible in the investment sense.

Edition number

The unique number of an individual print within its edition, written as, for example, 3/15 (the third of fifteen).

Artist's proof (AP)

A small number of prints made alongside the numbered edition for the artist's use, marked AP and sitting outside the edition count.

Certificate of authenticity (COA)

A signed document recording a work's title, edition number and details, confirming it is a genuine, authorised print.

Provenance

The documented ownership history of an artwork, supporting its authenticity and value.

Giclée

A high-quality inkjet printing process using archival pigment inks, used for fine-art reproduction.

Archival

Materials and processes designed to resist fading and deterioration, so a work lasts for decades or longer.

Canvas print

An image printed onto artist's canvas, then stretched or framed; light and matte, well-suited to large-scale work.

Gallery framing

Professional framing finished to exhibition standard, delivered ready to hang.

Floating frame

A frame in which the canvas sits with a small visible gap, so the work appears to float within the frame.

Diptych / triptych

A single artwork composed across two (diptych) or three (triptych) panels.

In situ

A view of an artwork shown installed in a real interior, to convey scale and placement.

Commission

An original work created to a client's brief for a specific space, collection or project.

Trade program

A scheme offering interior designers, architects and other professionals preferred pricing and project support.