
While trying to explain to visitors to my stall that my prints are old (people regularly ask if I can print off some more) I use the term "original print". This has been known to raise eyebrows - how can it be original and a print at the same time?
Now I don't want you to lose sleep over this so I'll quote a view from Wikipedia that reflects my thinking.
"Printmaking normally covers only the process of creating prints that have an element of originality, rather than just being a photographic reproduction. Each print produced is not considered a "copy" but rather is considered an "original". This is because typically each print varies to an extent due to variables intrinsic to the printmaking process."
This print, "Lock'd in a Room" was created by Williams and printed by J Johnston in in 1817. It's a hand coloured aquatint, the colouring probably done by a homeworker - which in itself makes it an "original print".