In art, particularly in the context of prints, 'inv.' is an abbreviation of the Latin word invenit, which means "he/she designed [it]." It identifies the artist responsible for the original design or concept behind the artwork, even if another artist executed the final print.
The Latin Origin: Invenit
The term invenit comes from the Latin verb invenire, meaning "to discover," "to find," or "to invent/design." When inscribed on an artwork, inv. directly attributes the creative idea and initial design to a specific individual. This distinction was crucial in historical printmaking, where the process often involved multiple skilled artisans.
Role of the Inventor in Printmaking
In printmaking, it was common for the artist who conceived the original drawing, painting, or model to be different from the artisan who physically created the print plate (e.g., engraving, etching, woodcut). The artist noted with inv. is the designer or inventor of the composition.
This abbreviation is sometimes inscribed below the main image of a print, often following the name of the artist who created the original drawing or painting upon which the print is based. It clarifies that while the printmaker (engraver, etcher, etc.) rendered the image into the print medium, the creative vision originated with the inventor.
Distinguishing Roles: Inv. vs. Other Abbreviations
Understanding inv. becomes clearer when contrasted with other common Latin abbreviations found on prints, which denote different roles in the creation process. This system helped collectors and connoisseurs identify the contributions of each artist involved.
Here are some common abbreviations and their meanings:
| Abbreviation | Full Latin Term | Meaning | Artist's Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| inv. | invenit | "he/she designed [it]" | The original designer, conceiver of the artwork. |
| pinx. | pinxit | "he/she painted [it]" | The artist who painted the original source material. |
| del. / delt. | delineavit | "he/she drew [it]" | The artist who made the original drawing. |
| sculp. / sc. | sculpsit | "he/she engraved/carved [it]" | The artist who executed the print plate or block. |
| fec. / fecit | fecit | "he/she made [it]" | Broadly, the maker of the work (can apply to either designer or executor). |
| exc. / excud. | excudit | "he/she published/printed [it]" | The publisher or printer of the work. |
Example: A print might bear the inscription "Raphael inv. Marcantonio Raimondi sculp." This indicates that Raphael designed the composition, and Marcantonio Raimondi engraved it.
Why 'Inv' Matters in Art History
The use of inv. and similar abbreviations provides valuable historical and art-historical information:
- Attribution Clarity: It helps correctly attribute the creative concept, differentiating it from the technical execution.
- Study of Artistic Collaboration: It highlights the collaborative nature of art production, especially during periods like the Renaissance and Baroque, when workshops and apprenticeships were common.
- Understanding Artistic Influence: By identifying the original designer, scholars can trace artistic influences and the dissemination of designs across different mediums and regions.
- Authenticity and Value: For collectors, these inscriptions can impact the authenticity and value of a print, as the involvement of a renowned inventor often increases its desirability.
In essence, 'inv.' serves as a historical signature, crediting the mind behind the masterpiece, even when the hands that brought it to its final printed form were those of another. For more insights into printmaking terminology, reputable sources like the Tate Glossary offer extensive definitions.
