EB Forum

So I recently acquired a "Bon a Tier" version of a print and I wanted to see what you guys knew about them. I was never an art student so the term is new to me, but apparently is the first good impression an artist approves for the master printer to use as the standard for the edition. I didn't know if anyone here has any, or has any knowledge of these as there aren't many in the EB database.

heres what ive been able to come up with thanks to my friend the google machine

Also called a B.A.T. or Printers Proof. Bona a Tier is a French term used for printer's proof meaning "good to print." Traditionally, this is the first good impression an artist approves for the master printer to use as the standard for the edition. Small amounts are usually available. Before the press is ready to roll on an approved edition, the printer must run several prints to verify that his proofs match the approved artist’s proof (see A/P above). This is very important, for it is the final approval of the entire edition. After these printer proofs are approved by both the artist and the printer, the final limited edition is printed.

I found that same page. I thought it was interesting that this being a community of mainly collectors, that more of these aren't circulating. I guess some printers don't use them and instead maybe just use an AP or PP?

exactly what i was thinking. this BAT term sounds like its normally reserved for 'fine art'.

actually, the proper term is "bon à tirer"...the EB Wiki is a good resource for print making nomenclature

vtadams22 wrote: instead maybe just use an AP or PP?

Bon a Trier and Printer's Proofs are the same thing.

http://pressureprinting.blogspot.com/search?q=kawasaki

"Audrey Kawasaki: Okimiyage

Edition: 50, + 10 Artist's Proofs, 10 Printer's Proofs, and 1 Bon á tirer "

mistersmith wrote:

vtadams22 wrote: instead maybe just use an AP or PP?

Bon a Trier and Printer's Proofs are the same thing.

nope, look at the link i posted above for an explanation

Thanks for the info. Any idea why we don't see more of them circulating?

greasy wrote:exactly what i was thinking. this BAT term sounds like its normally reserved for 'fine art'.

conversely, i dont think they are normally used during the printing of most of whats listed here. "lowbrow" art and such. just a guess.