
A remarque is a term used to describe a small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds near their signature on a print. The term originates from the French word remarquer, meaning to mark. Remarques add to the collectability and value of a print, making it more desirable. They are often done live in the margin and can be expected to increase the cost of a print.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds near their signature on a print |
| Origin | The term originates from the French word "remarquer", meaning "remark" or "note" |
| Original Usage | Originally, remarques were remarks made in pencil to identify the various stages a printing plate went through while being finalized |
| Current Usage | Nowadays, remarques are added to increase the value of a print and make it more collectible |
| Placement | Remarques are typically placed in the margin of a print, either near the signature or between the title and the artist's name |
| Medium | Remarques can be drawn, etched, or incised using pencil or another medium |
| Cost | Prints with remarques typically cost more to purchase |
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What You'll Learn

Remarques are small, personalised drawings or symbols added by the artist
A "remarque" is a small, personalised drawing or symbol added by the artist, usually near their signature on a print. The term originates from the French word for "remark", and it initially referred to remarks made in pencil that identified the various stages a printing plate went through during the process of being finalised. These remarks were removed before the final printing.
Today, remarques have evolved to become desirable additions to prints, enhancing their value and collectability. They are often unique, hand-drawn sketches or scribbles that relate to the print's subject matter or something more personal to the artist. For example, an artist might add a small apple or a candle flame as a remarque to a still life print. These additions elevate the artwork and make it more desirable and valuable.
Remarques are particularly sought-after by collectors as they offer an opportunity to own a small piece of original artwork by the artist at a fraction of the cost of a full-scale original piece. In some cases, remarques are added to limited-edition prints, further increasing their exclusivity and desirability.
The presence of a remarque also assures the print's authenticity. Artists like Jim Clary are known for including pencil remarques on their prints, and these have gained considerable value among private collectors and museums. Remarques, therefore, not only add artistic value but also serve as a mark of authenticity and a way to honour the various stages of an artwork's creation.
Overall, remarques are a fascinating aspect of the art world, offering collectors a unique and personalised connection to the artist's process and vision. They are a testament to the enduring value and appreciation of original artwork.
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They are usually placed near the artist's signature
A "remarque" is a small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds to a print, usually near their signature. The presence of a remarque increases the value of the print. Remarques are often placed in the margin of a print, either on the lower border or in the white space surrounding the artwork. They can be drawn, etched, or incised on the print itself or on the plate used for printing.
Historically, remarques were marks made in pencil to identify the various stages of a printing plate's development before being removed for the final print. Today, remarques are typically added to the final print as a unique, hand-drawn element. They can be purchased as an additional feature, enhancing the collectability and value of the artwork.
Artists may choose to include intricate remarques that relate to the subject of the print or something more personal. For example, an artist might add a small apple or a candle flame as a remarque to a still life print. Wildlife artists are known for their detailed remarques, such as a tiny duck or cattails to accompany a print of a retriever running through a marsh.
Remarques are highly valued by collectors as they offer a small piece of original artwork by the artist at a lower cost compared to purchasing a full original piece. They also serve to authenticate the print, ensuring its uniqueness and adding to its overall desirability.
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They increase the value of the print
A "remarque" is a small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds near their signature on a print. The term originates from the French word for "remark", and it was originally used to describe marks made on printing plates to indicate the various stages of the printing process. These marks were removed before the final print run. Today, remarques are added to prints to increase their value and desirability among collectors. They are considered a “value-added” option, as they provide collectors with a small piece of original artwork by the artist at a lower cost than a full original work. The presence of a remarque can also serve to authenticate the print. As such, it is recommended that prints with remarques be professionally framed to accommodate the additional artwork in the margin.
Remarques can take the form of pencil sketches, etchings, or incised scribbles, and they are typically added to the lower border of a print. They may depict a detail of the print's subject matter or something more personal to the artist. The size and complexity of the artwork are also factors that can influence the value of a remarque. For example, a simple sketch of an apple or a candle flame added to the margin of a still life print can be considered a remarque. Likewise, a small painted duck or some cattails could be added as a remarque to a print of a retriever running through a marsh.
The value of a print with a remarque is further enhanced by the fact that it is more customized than a print without one. Collectors can choose to have a remarque added to their print of choice, often for an additional fee. This allows them to own a truly unique piece of artwork that reflects their personal style or taste. Moreover, remarques provide collectors with a glimpse into the artist's creative process and offer a more intimate connection to the artwork.
The presence of a remarque by a renowned artist can significantly increase the value of a print. For example, the work of artist Jim Clary has gained considerable value following his passing in 2018, with prints featuring his remarques becoming highly sought-after by private collectors and museums alike. This has resulted in an upward spiral of the value of his work over the years. As such, remarques are not just desirable additions to prints but also wise investments for collectors.
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Remarques are often done in pencil
A "remarque" is a small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds near their signature on a print. The term originates from the French word for "remark" and was originally used to describe remarks made in pencil that identified the various stages a printing plate went through while being finalized. These marks were removed before the final print run.
The presence of a remarque increases the print's value and makes it more collectible. Collectors appreciate remarques because they offer a small piece of original artwork by the artist at a fraction of the cost of a full original work. Remarques also enhance the appearance of the artwork and make the print more desirable and valuable.
Some artists, such as Jim Clary, are known for their pencil remarques, which have gained considerable value among private collectors and museums alike.
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They can also be called 'marks'
A "remarque" is a term used to describe a small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds near their signature on a print. The term originates from the French word "remarquer", which means "to mark". Remarques can also be called "marks" as they are often small, distinct marks or sketches made in the margin of a print or the lower border of the print. These marks can be drawn, etched, or incised on the plate or stone and are typically removed before regular printing.
The presence of a remarque adds to the collectability and value of a print, making it more desirable to collectors. This is because remarques provide collectors with an opportunity to own a small piece of original artwork by the artist at a lower cost than purchasing a full-sized work. Remarques can also enhance the appearance of the artwork, especially when they are intricate and detailed.
Some artists, such as Jim Clary, are known for including remarques on their prints. After his passing in 2018, prints with his remarques gained considerable value among private collectors and museums.
In addition to increasing the value of a print, remarques can also serve as a form of authentication. Some artists include original pencil remarques with their signatures to assure the authenticity of their work.
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Frequently asked questions
A "remarque" is a small, personalized drawing or symbol that an artist adds near their signature on a print. It can also be a mark in the margin of an engraved plate.
Remarques add to the collectability of a print and its value, enhancing the appearance of the artwork. They allow collectors to own a small piece of original artwork at a fraction of the cost of limited-edition prints.
Yes, the presence of a remarque increases the value of a print.
Remarques are typically drawn in pencil, but they can also be etched or incised on a plate or stone and removed before regular printing.














