Under the Hammer—A guide to buying prints
Welcome to 'Under the Hammer' by Webb’s—an educational series that offers a deep dive into the captivating world of auctions. From art market insights to the rarest vehicles and most coveted handbags, we guide you through every facet of the auction world, sharing expert knowledge from New Zealand’s leading auction house.
Two popular Slim Aarons prints shown in-situ. Slim Aarons summed it up perfectly himself when he described his work as "photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." His photographs offer a behind-the-keyhole view of the rich and famous, capturing a voyeuristic grandeur. In an age where influencers and celebrity lifestyles are highly visible, Aarons' photographs manage to appear both staged and candid, giving us a glimpse into a life we might secretly aspire to. They evoke nostalgia for an era of swimming pools, aspirational ski holidays, and cocktail parties. Licensing for the prints of Slim Aarons is held by Getty, and authentic reproductions should come hand embossed with ‘Getty Images Archives’ and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Two rare prints that recently sold at Webb's August Works of Art Auction. These screen prints of Mick Jagger by Andy Warhol, sold for $143,400 and $167,300.
A guide to buying art prints
Art has always been a reflection of human creativity and expression — having art in our homes or other spaces can challenge us, bring us joy, or simply help bring a room together aesthetically. While original artworks can be prohibitively expensive, art prints offer an accessible way to enjoy and own pieces of art from well know practitioners. However, finding quality examples of authentic print requires some knowledge and consideration.
Understanding Art Prints
Art prints are reproductions of original artworks. They come in various forms, including lithographs, screen prints, giclée prints, and digital prints. Each type has its unique characteristics and production methods. For instance, lithographs are created using a printing process that involves drawing on a stone or metal plate, while giclée prints are produced using high-quality inkjet printers. Screen printing is a technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink (or dye) onto a substrate, while a digital printing involves printing from a digital-based image (for example a JPEG or PDF) directly to a variety of media, using a laser or inkjet printer. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed choices, and when you are looking to buy a print online or in person you should check the print info to ascertain the production method.
Photos of Andy Warhol creating his famous silkscreen prints
Evaluating Quality
When buying art prints, quality is paramount. High-quality prints capture the essence of the original artwork, with vibrant colours and fine details. Factors such as the type of paper, ink, and printing technique used can significantly impact the quality of a print. Unfortunately it can be hard to gauge the quality of a print from a photo online, but, as with anything, in general the cheaper the print the lower the quality it is likely to be. You should look for prints made with archival-quality materials, which ensure longevity and resistance to fading—this should be stated in the print’s listing. Additionally, limited edition prints, which are produced in restricted quantities, often hold more value than open edition prints.
A 2016 screenprint on paper by Dick Frizzell titled "Off to Work", sold in Webb's recent Art Online auction. This is an auction category which offers more accessible art prices with a great selection for budding collectors. This print example is numbered, titled, signed, and dated—contributing to its value.
Webb's ‘BNZ Multiples’ series. These are high-quality screenprint reproductions of original historically significant New Zealand paintings, which have been individually numbered and blind embossed with artist and estate details.
Authenticity and Provenance
Authenticity is a critical consideration when purchasing reproduction art prints; while it may be generally understood that these works are not original, there are still licensing, copyright, and quality factors to take into consideration.
Certificates of authenticity, provided by reputable galleries or dealers, can serve as proof of the print’s legitimacy. For example, licensing for the popular prints of photographer Slim Aarons is held by Getty, and authentic reproductions should come hand embossed with ‘Getty Images Archives’ and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Slim Aarons prints can be bought through Getty Images’ authorised resellers. If you believe that you may have an unauthorised print, you can always contact our specialist team for more details.
Another example is Andy Warhol—the best quality reproductions of his works are produced by publishers Sunday B. Morning, who own the negatives to Warhol’s ‘Factory Editions’. These colour screenprints are printed on museum board with the highest quality archival inks, and are stamped in blue ink, "Published by Sunday B. Morning" and "fill in your own signature," on verso (on the back of the print).
Locally, Te Papa produces licensed reproductions of many well-known works from our top artists, including Colin McCahon, Rita Angus, and Bill Hammond. These are created with permission from artists or artist estates.
At Webb’s we also sell a selection of reproduction prints through our ‘BNZ Multiples’ series. These are high-quality screenprint reproductions of original historically significant New Zealand paintings, which have been individually numbered and blind embossed with artist and estate details. They are produced in limited quantities in association with the artist’s estates.
Where to Buy
Art prints can be purchased from various sources, including our online and live art auctions, galleries, online marketplaces, and art fairs. Each venue has its advantages and disadvantages. Galleries often provide a curated selection and expert advice, but prices may be higher. Online marketplaces offer a vast array of options and competitive prices, but you should always exercise caution and verify the seller’s credibility. When buying a vintage print on the secondary market—for example, from Webb’s, other auction houses, or online sellers—provenance, or the history of ownership, helps provide context as to the authenticity and value of a print. Knowing the print’s origin and previous owners can provide you with confidence in your purchase, and we encourage you to reach out to our specialist team should you want more information on a print. Even better, visit us in person to see and discuss the work.
Yvonne Todd's offset print series "Next Time It Will Be Different" have been, and continue to be, a very popular artwork to collect and have sold multiple times in a variety of Webb's art auctions. This stylised image of the framed print was taken in collaboration with Homestyle magazine.
Karl Maughan is a renowned New Zealand artist celebrated for his oil paintings of gardens and floral landscapes. He produces fine art prints of select paintings, providing collectors with a more accessible way to own and enjoy his creations. An example of this is his giclée print on paper titled 'Plume' (left) which recently sold for $2,902.50 at Webb's Art Online auction — compared to original artworks of his that sell for tens of thousands, such as his 2020 oil painting 'Taumutu' (right) which sold for $45,410 in one of Webb's 2023 Works of Art auctions.
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