In the past, prints never seemed too special. Now modern prints are getting a second look as rocketing prices for paintings by modern and contemporary artists (dead or alive) have forced many people out of the higher-end market. Here are purchasing tips for 20th century prints and other art options:

• When buying a color print, always check for a signature — it's probably scribbled on the margin with a pencil.
  
• When buying prints, inspect the edges. Dealers sometimes try to hide damage with a fancy frame.
  
• Looking to score a Picasso? In the $5,000 price range, you'll most likely get a print from the late 60s or early 70s. For best value, look for prints containing an image of the artist himself.
  
• Color photograph prices are heating up in part because of technical advances in the darkroom that allow for richer hues. Some collectors feel it is one of the only areas left where seminal works are still affordable.
  
• With Latin American art, durability can be an issue. Lots of artists in the field work in cloth, plastic flowers and wood — and if artwork is too fragile, it may be expensive to maintain, which makes it harder to resell.
  
• Small antiquities are one area where damage isn't necessarily bad. Ancient artworks with no chips or breaks are the suspicious ones. And find out if the item has been checked against stolen-art databases.

Resources

Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers of Antiques and Fine Art
The Heritage on the Garden
Boston, Mass.
617-350-5400
www.skinnerinc.com

Ernesto Caviano, Artist
Represented by Richard Heller Gallery
Santa Monica, Calif.
310-453-9191
www.richardhellergallery.com

Walfred Robert Moisio
WPA Artist
We apologize no contact information is available.