# State

## Definition

The term state is used to describe identical impressions printed from the same unchanged printing plate, block or stone (matrix). It identifies the relationship of an object created in multiples to other stages of the same object.

While state generally refers to prints, some of the same terminology is applied to sculptures, in reference to their state, such as artists proof.

This element contains any known information related to an objects state.

State should only be used when recording single objects, not groups.

## Types of state and terminology

### Numbered and named states

State is often expressed by a number indicating the place of the state in relation to other known states. This is generally noted in conjunction with the name of the person who identified the known states and the date they published their research.

{% hint style="info" %}
1st of 3 states (Harrison (1997))

3rd state as described in: Harrison, T. (1997) Hogarth's graphic works
{% endhint %}

### Unnumbered states

Unnumbered states generally date from the time before a print was completed or in circulation. identified by specific terms

**Artist's proof** or *epreuve d'artiste* is used for impressions printed especially for the artist and excluded from the numbering of an edition. It maybe found on the print abbreviated as **AP** or **EA**, and numbered with an edition number according to the number of artist's proofs pulled (e.g., AP 2/12).\
\
**Bon à tirer** or *right to print* is used for the proof approved by the artist to establish the standard for all of the other prints in the edition.

**Hors commerce** meaning \*\*\*\* *outside the commercial edition* is used for proofs that were excluded from the numbering of an edition, and were not intended for sale, not artist's proofs, or bon à tirer. It maybe abbreviated as **HC** on the print.

**Printer's proof** is used for impressions printed as tests for the printer and excluded from the numbering of an edition. It maybe found ion the print, abbreviated **PP**.

The terms below are commonly used to describe unnumbered states.

{% hint style="info" %}
bon à tirer\
printer's proof\
hors commerce\
artist's proof\
proof before letters\
proof
{% endhint %}

If the cataloguer is able to describe what distinguishes this state being from others, include this information and ensure the reference to any informative text is included in the record.

{% hint style="info" %}
1st of 3 states as identified in Andrew Robison (1986) Early Architectural Fantasies: Catalogue Raisonné of the Piranesi Etchings

Rodney Engen, Dictionary of Victorian engravers, print publishers, and their works, Cambridge 1979, p. 61. This state doesn't include the following lettering: (Lord) Ashley, M.P.' after F. Bird")
{% endhint %}

## Related Elements

* If a work has been reissued at a later date this should be recorded in the **Edition** element.
* Different versions of a work, such as copies after a work or reproductions, are not considered states and should be recorded as **Related works**.
* If the block, plate or negative that a work was printed from is known to exist, it should be recorded in **Related works**.


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