Augustus St. Gaudens

Editions explained

In the context of sculptures, the term “edition” refers to a specific number of identical or nearly identical copies produced from an original sculpture, with each copy being numbered and signed. The artist closely oversees the production of each edition to ensure that the quality and fidelity to the original sculpture is maintained.

Artists and galleries usually provide a certificate of authenticity with each edition, including details about the sculpture, the edition number, and the artist’s signature. These certificates help establish the provenance and authenticity of the artwork.

In short, “edition” refers to a limited number of authorised copies produced from an original sculpture and therefore valuable and collectible in the art market.

One-of-a-kind sculptures are not considered editions because there is only a single, unique piece, and no reproductions are made.

Academic explained

When a sculpture is described as “academic,” it suggests that the artwork adheres to traditional artistic conventions, emphasising realism, precision, classical influences, and strong technical skills. It is often, but not always, created in a teaching environment where the artist has support and receives feedback from skilled teachers and colleagues.

Fragments and Crops

A Fragment is a unique single side cast of a part of a sculpture. It is a three dimensional object and can be any part of the sculpture, the face, part of a face, a shoulder blade, even the whole front or back of a torso. Fragments are often used by artists themselves to make a quick cast of a favourite part of a sculpture to be hung on the wall.

A Crop is similar to a fragment in that it’s taken from part of a sculpture. It’s not single sided but has a front and a back and therefore need a base to hold it upright.

Fragments and Crops are usually made in plaster or resin, they are not part of editions and does not come with certificates of authenticity but are usually signed by the artist.

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Editions explained

Academic explained

Fragments and Crops

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Augustus St. Gaudens

Details

Links

Subscribe

The ‘Me’ Gallery

Main Pages

Legal

My Account

Contact

Editions explained

Academic explained

Fragments and Crops

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