This exhibition catalogue documents a significant collection of Jasper Johns' working proofs, offering insight into his printmaking process. The book accompanies two major exhibitions held in 1979 at the Kunstmuseum Basel and the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München, showcasing a range of Johns' experimental prints. It provides a detailed look at the artist's iterative approach to creating his iconic works, highlighting the evolution of images through various states of proofing. The catalogue serves as a scholarly resource for understanding Johns' technical mastery and conceptual development in printmaking.

This catalogue is recognized as a valuable resource for scholars and collectors interested in Jasper Johns' printmaking. Its focus on working proofs offers a unique perspective on his artistic methodology, detailing the stages of creation and experimentation. The dual exhibition context in Basel and Munich underscores its significance as a comprehensive survey of this aspect of Johns' oeuvre. The publication is considered an important contribution to the study of modern printmaking and the artist's oeuvre.