How to verify the edition number on a print, including *Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist)*

Where to locate the edition number

The edition number is invariably printed in the lower margin, usually at the left or center, beneath the image area. For works like Pollock’s *Number 10, 1949* or *Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist)*, the notation follows the format “A/B,” where “A” is the print’s sequential position and “B” the total edition size (e.g., “12/50”).

Most limited editions under 50x70 cm (20x28 in) place the fraction within 2–3 cm of the sheet’s lower edge, while larger formats (e.g., 70x100 cm / 28x40 in) may position it slightly higher to avoid visual crowding. The International Fine Print Dealers Association notes that pencil annotations are standard for original prints, whereas digital reproductions may use fine-line inkjet marking.

Distinguishing original editions from reproductions

Original prints, such as those associated with *Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist)*, are created through direct processes (etching, lithography, screenprinting) and bear physical plate marks or ink texture. Reproductions—giclée or offset—lack these traits but may mimic edition numbering. Key indicators of an original:

• Paper: Cotton-rag (250–310 gsm) with deckled edges or watermarks (e.g., Arches, Hahnemühle).
• Ink: Pigment-based, with visible texture under raking light; reproductions use flat CMYK halftone dots.
• Margins: Originals often include registration marks or printer’s blindstamps.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s print glossary emphasizes that original editions are signed in pencil by the artist, whereas reproductions may feature printed facsimiles or estate stamps. Pollock’s authenticated prints, for instance, command $8,000–$25,000 at auction; unsigned reproductions rarely exceed $500.

Standard edition formats and their markings

Edition structures follow conventions defined by the Fine Art Trade Guild:

• Limited Edition (LE): Numbered sequentially (e.g., 12/100) with a fixed total. Pollock’s *Number 10, 1949* editions typically cap at 150–200.
• Artist’s Proof (AP): Marked “AP” or “Épreuve d’Artiste,” comprising 5–15% of the edition. These may lack a fraction but include the AP designation.
• Hors Commerce (HC): Unnumbered, stamped “HC,” reserved for galleries or printers. Not intended for sale but occasionally resurface.
• Open Edition: No numbering; lower secondary-market value. Common for posters or digital reproductions.

For works like *Lavender Mist*, AP and HC proofs can fetch 10–20% above the numbered edition’s value due to rarity. A 50x70 cm (20x28 in) AP of a Pollock print might appraise at $12,000–$18,000, whereas a numbered copy in the same size ranges from $9,000–$14,000.

When and why edition numbers are obscured or missing

Three scenarios account for absent or unclear edition numbers:

1. Overmatting: Framing with acid-free conservation mats (e.g., 4-ply, 100% rag) may cover the lower margin. Standard mat windows leave 3–5 cm of visible paper; request the framer to expose the full sheet during inspection.
2. Trimming: Prints cut to fit non-standard frames (e.g., 30x40 cm / 12x16 in trimmed to A3) often lose the edition mark. Original Pollock prints retain full margins; trimming reduces value by 30–50%.
3. Posthumous Editions: Estates or foundations may issue later editions with alternate numbering (e.g., “AE 15/30” for “Authorized Edition”). These are distinct from lifetime editions and typically disclosed in provenance documentation.

UV-protective glazing (e.g., 99% UV-blocking acrylic) can create glare that obscures pencil marks. Inspect under controlled lighting or ask the dealer for a raking-light photograph to confirm authenticity.

Verification steps for high-value prints

For prints exceeding $5,000—such as a *Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist)*—adopt this protocol:

1. Documentation: Request the certificate of authenticity (COA) issued by the publisher (e.g., Gemini G.E.L. for Pollock’s later editions). Cross-reference the edition number with their archives.
2. Provenance: Verify the print’s history via auction records (Sotheby’s, Christie’s) or gallery invoices. Gaps in provenance pre-1980 are common but require additional scrutiny.
3. Technical Analysis: A print examiner can assess ink composition (pigment vs. dye) and paper fiber under magnification. Pollock’s original lithographs, for example, use zinc-plate ink with characteristic granularity.
4. Comparative Examples: Consult the National Gallery of Art’s print study room or MoMA’s online collection to compare numbering placement and handwriting with confirmed examples.

For a 70x100 cm (28x40 in) Pollock print, budget $150–$300 for professional authentication—a negligible cost relative to the print’s value. Framing with conservation standards (acid-free, UV glazing) adds $800–$1,500 but preserves resale potential.