Every print carries the seal of the originating studio where it is printed, the artist’s signature and an edition number which reveals how many identical impressions were made and a print number showing which one in the series each print is.

Indeed, confusion prevails over the authenticity of several ‘original, limited edition prints’ which have flooded the Indian art market. Even to a trained eye, it can be difficult to say with absolute conviction that something being sold as a piece of art is an ‘original print’ and not a reproduction.

Oddly enough, there are also instances of artists themselves scanning their works into a computer and with the help of skilled technicians, manipulating the image to produce ‘original prints’ complete with signatures. If the resultant work is deleted from the computer hard disk, the print becomes really unique.

It can, however, be argued that the final belongs equally to the technician who made the print possible as to the artist whose work was initially scanned in. And even if the artist manipulates the images independent of any assistance, the effect can be due to the sophisticated computer programmes.

"How long does it take to learn Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw?" reasons Roy. "I am told that there is even more sophisticated software available that can make a complete novice into an impressive artist. Already we have several reputed painters who combine brushwork with printmaking on computers." — MF