Every artwork listing on ArtRewards is designed to give you a complete picture of a work before you commit to it. Knowing how to read each detail helps you buy with confidence, judge fit for your space, and avoid surprises when the piece arrives. This guide walks you through every element of a listing and what each one tells you.
Artwork Title and Year
The title and year of creation appear at the top of every listing.
- Title — the official name the artist gave the work. Some titles describe the subject directly; others are abstract or evocative. Either way, the title is part of the work's identity and should match the Certificate of Authenticity.
- Year — when the work was completed. This helps you place the piece within the artist's body of work and understand where it sits in their practice.
If a work is part of a named series, this is often noted alongside the title.
Medium and Materials
The medium tells you how the work was made and what it is made from. Accurate, specific terminology is the standard on ArtRewards.
You will typically see entries such as:
- "Oil on linen" — oil paint applied to a linen canvas
- "Acrylic on canvas" — acrylic paint on a stretched canvas support
- "Watercolour on paper" — water-based pigment on a paper surface
- "Archival pigment print" — a high-quality, long-lasting photographic print
- "Mixed media" — a combination of materials, often described in more detail in the listing
The medium affects how a work looks, how it should be displayed, and how it should be cared for. If a term is unfamiliar, our team is happy to explain what it means for that specific piece.
Dimensions
Dimensions are listed as height × width × depth in centimetres, with depth included for three-dimensional or deep works.
When reviewing measurements:
- Check whether the dimensions refer to the artwork alone or the total framed size. This distinction matters when planning where the piece will hang.
- Compare the measurements against the wall or surface you have in mind.
- For sculpture or three-dimensional work, note the depth and consider the space the piece will occupy.
A quick way to visualise scale is to map out the dimensions on your wall with painter's tape before purchasing.
Edition Information
For prints and other multiples, the listing includes edition details.
- Edition number — shown as a fraction such as "3/25," meaning the third print in an edition of twenty-five
- Run size — the total number of works in the edition
- Open vs limited — limited editions are produced in a fixed quantity; open editions are not numbered in the same way
Edition information is essential for understanding a print's rarity. Each numbered copy in a limited edition is documented separately and comes with its own Certificate of Authenticity.
Presentation Format
Presentation tells you how the work is supplied and whether it is ready to hang.
Common formats include:
- Framed — supplied in a frame, often ready to display
- Stretched — canvas mounted on a wooden stretcher, typically ready to hang
- Mounted — fixed to a backing board or support
- Rolled — shipped rolled in a tube, usually requiring stretching or framing after delivery
- Unframed — supplied without a frame, which you may wish to arrange separately
Presentation affects the final size, the cost of any additional framing, and how the work will arrive. If the format is not clear on the listing, confirm before you order.
Condition Language
Most original works on ArtRewards are new, created for sale by the artist. Where relevant, the listing describes the work's condition.
When you see condition notes, look for:
- A clear statement of the work's current state
- Any existing wear, restoration, or imperfection
- Details specific to the medium, such as surface texture or finish
If you would like more details about a particular work's condition before buying, reach out to our team. We are glad to help you assess any piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Every original work sold on ArtRewards comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The listing confirms this inclusion.
The COA is a signed document that verifies the work's authorship, medium, dimensions, and edition details where applicable. It provides a verifiable record of the work and supports its provenance for the future. Consider it one of the most important documents you receive with your purchase.
What to Ask Before You Buy
If anything on a listing is unclear, it is always worth asking before you complete your order. Helpful questions include:
- Do the listed dimensions include the frame?
- Is the work ready to hang, or will it need framing or stretching?
- What does the medium mean for displaying and caring for the piece?
- Are there detail images that show texture, edges, or signatures?
- For prints, what are the edition number and total run size?
Our team is familiar with all the work on the platform and is happy to answer questions before you decide. For tailored guidance on choosing a piece for your space or collection, our curatorial team offers complimentary art advisory.