Michael Godard Limited Edition Types Explained
Michael Godard releases each limited edition artwork in one or more edition types, such as Artist Proof (AP), Gallery Proof (GP), Signed & Numbered (S&N), G edition, Mural (M), Mini, and Publisher or Printer's Proof, and each edition type is a separate, individually numbered print run with its own size and price. Canvas, paper and metal are materials, not edition types: the same edition name can be offered on more than one material depending on the artwork. This guide explains what each edition type means, how the numbering works, and how to decide which one fits your collection and your wall.
Edition Types at a Glance
This list is not exhaustive. Which editions exist, and in which sizes and materials, differs from artwork to artwork, so the product page for each piece is always the final reference.
| Edition Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Artist Proof (AP) | A limited run traditionally reserved for the artist's own records before the general edition is numbered; today offered to collectors. Hand-signed by Michael Godard and numbered, with a one-color hand-painted embellishment. Run size varies by release, so check the specific edition for each piece |
| Gallery Proof (GP) | A limited run produced for gallery representation, numbered separately from the Artist Proof and Signed & Numbered editions. Run size varies by release. Contact the gallery to confirm signing for a specific piece |
| Signed & Numbered (S&N) | A widely collected edition: hand-signed by Michael Godard and individually numbered out of the stated edition size |
| G Edition | A smaller-format, more accessible release of the same image, letting collectors own the piece at a lower price point and smaller wall footprint. Contact the gallery to confirm signing for a specific piece |
| Mural (M) and Mosaic Mural | A large-format edition of select images, offered at the largest sizes for a statement wall |
| Mini, Publisher Proof and Printer's Proof | Special editions that appear on some titles, each with its own stated edition size and price; check the individual product page |
Signing: Michael Godard hand-signs the Artist Proof (AP), Signed & Numbered (S&N) and Metal editions. For other edition types, contact the gallery to confirm signing for a specific piece.
Run sizes and relative rarity vary from release to release, so always check the edition details on the specific product page rather than assuming one edition type is universally the rarest across the whole catalog.
Materials: Canvas, Paper and Metal
Material is a separate choice from edition type. Depending on the artwork, an edition may be offered on canvas, on paper or on metal. Metal editions are hand-signed by Michael Godard. For example, the current catalog lists metal versions of G, Signed & Numbered, Artist Proof, Gallery Proof and Mural editions on some titles. Each product page lists the material together with the edition, size and price. Edition quantities are shown where confirmed. If a quantity is not listed for a particular metal edition, contact the gallery for confirmation. Quantities are set title by title and edition by edition, so metal is not automatically a smaller or larger run than canvas. See our giclée, canvas, paper and metal guide for a comparison of the materials.
What Is a Giclée?
Giclée (pronounced "zhee-clay") is a fine-art inkjet printing process used to reproduce color and detail with greater accuracy than standard commercial printing. It is the process Michael Godard Gallery uses to describe its limited edition prints. See our giclée, canvas, paper and metal guide for how the materials differ.
How Numbering Works
Each edition type is numbered independently. A piece marked "45/250" in the Signed & Numbered edition means it is the 45th piece numbered out of a fixed run of 250; it says nothing about the separate Artist Proof, Gallery Proof, G, Mural or metal runs of the same image, which are each numbered on their own scale. The editions listed here have fixed, documented print runs. Check the product page or contact the gallery for current editions and availability; the finite run is what gives each numbered piece its long-term collectibility. Every piece ships with a certificate of authenticity confirming its edition type and number.
Which Edition Should You Choose?
There's no wrong answer: the right edition depends on budget, wall size, and how much you value a smaller run over price. Collectors building a first collection often start with the Signed & Numbered or G edition, both of which pair an accessible price with genuine numbered authenticity. Collectors who want a smaller run tend to compare the stated edition sizes of the Artist Proof, Gallery Proof and other special editions for the specific title, since the quantity differs from piece to piece. For a room that needs a large focal point, look at the Mural editions where they are offered. See our room sizing guide for help matching a size and edition type to your specific wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Artist Proof more valuable than a Signed & Numbered edition?
It depends on the specific release: Artist Proof runs are often smaller than Signed & Numbered runs of the same piece, but run sizes vary from piece to piece, and a Gallery Proof or other special edition can be just as limited, or more so. Both the Artist Proof and the Signed & Numbered edition are hand-signed by Michael Godard; the Artist Proof also carries a one-color hand-painted embellishment. Check the edition size on the individual product page rather than assuming Artist Proof is always the rarest. All are authentic, numbered, gallery-authorized editions with a certificate of authenticity.
Are all editions signed by Michael Godard?
Michael Godard hand-signs the Artist Proof (AP), Signed & Numbered (S&N) and Metal editions. The Signed & Numbered edition is hand-signed and individually numbered, and the Artist Proof is hand-signed and numbered with a one-color hand-painted embellishment. For other edition types, such as the G edition and Gallery Proof, please contact the gallery to confirm signing for a specific piece.
Is metal an edition type?
No. Metal is a material. Where a title is offered on metal, the metal version has its own edition name (for example G, Signed & Numbered, Artist Proof, Gallery Proof or Mural) and its own price, listed on the product page. Metal editions are hand-signed by Michael Godard. Edition quantities are shown where confirmed. If a quantity is not listed for a particular metal edition, contact the gallery for confirmation.
Will a sold-out edition ever be reprinted?
The editions listed here have fixed, documented print runs. Check the product page or contact the gallery for current editions and availability.
Does every piece come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, every Michael Godard limited edition sold through Michael Godard Gallery ships with a certificate of authenticity verifying the edition type and number.
Learn More
Read Michael Godard's full biography and series overview, compare canvas, paper and metal prints, or use our room sizing guide to find the right piece for your space. Or head back to any individual artwork page to see which editions are currently available for that piece.
Last reviewed: October 7, 2026