Artists’ Books, Art Books and Livres d’Artiste: What to Compare

Start with the object rather than its category label. A book about an artist, an illustrated literary collaboration and a book conceived as an artwork can reward different kinds of looking. The V&A’s Artists and the Book collection considers the book’s format and concept as an artistic practice in its own right.

Ask what the book does

Read the title page and publication statement, then examine the sequence. Does the text explain an artist’s career? Do images accompany another writer’s text? Does the arrangement of pages, materials or folds contribute to the work? These questions are more useful than assuming that every book bearing a famous artist’s name contains original prints.

Compare cataloged examples

Our Matisse Cinquante Dessins description distinguishes one original etching from fifty reproduced drawings. The Man Ray–Paul Éluard Les Mains Libres listing should be read for the particular edition and its contents. Neither an artist’s name nor the broad term “artist’s book” supplies a printing method, limitation or signature.

Keep the physical format in view

Record whether the publication is bound or loose, how its parts are ordered, and whether its cover, case or accompanying matter survives. Avoid treating a separated image as equivalent to the complete publication. Ask for views of the title page, colophon and contents when those details are central to a buying decision.

Explore Livres d’Artiste, Art Books, Prints and Artist Portfolios and our guide to collecting livres d’artiste. Check each item page for current availability and copy-specific evidence.

Further reading: V&A: Artists and the Book.