A catalogue can contain an original painting, a print of that painting and a framed print, all showing nearly the same image. If the product type is unclear, a customer may compare prices without understanding why they differ.
Give every format a clear identity. The artwork's name can stay consistent while the product description explains what is actually being sold.
Put the format in the product identity
Use terms that accurately describe the offer: original artwork, physical print, framed print or another confirmed format. Do not rely on a small note after a dramatic title.
A photograph of the original should not stand in for a reproduction without explanation. Show the actual product or a clearly identified representation.
If the store offers only physical goods, keep the language from implying an instant digital file.
Describe the original specifically
Record the medium, support, dimensions, signature and framing arrangement where relevant. State the quantity available accurately.
Do not use “one of a kind” if multiple substantially identical originals are part of the offer without explaining the process. The claim should reflect how the work was made.
Keep provenance or authentication statements tied to evidence rather than adding a generic certificate badge.
Describe the reproduction as its own product
A print needs its own size, paper, image area, border and production information. The original painting's dimensions do not describe the print.
Use the physical print guide to make those details complete.
Do not imply that a reproduction is hand-painted merely because the source artwork was. If there is genuine hand-finishing, describe exactly what is done.
Keep edition information separate
An open-edition print and a limited-edition print should be labelled according to the actual offer. A sold original does not automatically make its reproductions limited.
Maintain the edition record where a limit is part of the promise.
Do not create artificial scarcity by hiding an unlimited alternative while claiming the image can only be purchased a fixed number of times.
Make format selection hard to misunderstand
If formats share one page, the selected option should clearly change the relevant price, dimensions and contents. Check the actual interface rather than assuming it supports every distinction.
Where the setup cannot present the differences reliably, separate product pages may be clearer. This is a catalogue decision, not a claim that a particular software feature exists.
The order summary should identify the format, not only the artwork name.
Explain framing and props
State whether a frame, mount or hanging hardware is included. A room photograph can suggest a complete installation even when the sale is for an unframed sheet.
For framed options, show the frame style and outer size. Keep styling furniture and accessories clearly outside the contents.
Do not let a higher-priced framed version make the unframed option appear visually identical without explanation.
Keep rights separate from the physical object
Clarify any additional reproduction or commercial-use licence only when it has actually been agreed. Owning a physical artwork and having permission to reproduce its image are different matters.
WIPO's copyright guidance is a general starting point; specific ownership and licensing questions may need professional advice.
Do not use a standard checkout sentence to imply that every rights issue has been resolved.
Check packing and support by format
An original, an unframed print and a framed print need different condition and packing records. Route the order using its exact format.
If a customer asks about an item, support should be able to identify which version they received. The image alone is not enough.
A clear art catalogue respects both the artwork and the buyer's decision. It makes the difference between a unique physical work and its reproductions visible, rather than expecting customers to infer it from the price.
When an original sells, update that product's availability without accidentally hiding available prints. Conversely, the presence of prints should not leave the original looking available when it is no longer for sale.
Examples are illustrative. Confirm current features, charges and suitability before making a business decision.
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