In this second installment of ArtSpeak, I aim to shed light on two terms frequently employed by artists and gallery owners: Artist Proofs (APs) and Hors de Commerce (HCs). During my tenure as a gallery worker, we would occasionally acquire art labeled with AP or HC. These designations set the work apart from the standard numbered series. Explaining these terms to collectors, enthusiasts, and students became a routine task. So, let’s dive into what these markings mean and why they matter to artists.
Artist Proof (AP)
Starting with Artist Proof (AP): Limited-edition works are typically hand-signed, numbered, and often printed on high-quality paper or alternative materials like aluminum, canvas, or glass. The artist sets the edition size—let’s say, 50 pieces in this case—and signs all 50, typically along the bottom. Each piece is then given a numerical mark, from 1/50 to 50/50. Simple, right?
In addition to the numbered series, artists usually set aside a few extra prints, often around 10% of the edition size. For a 50-piece edition, that would mean five additional works labeled as Artist Proofs. Once the main edition is sold out and demand persists, these APs can be sold at a premium. Some artists mark these as simply “AP,” while others number them from AP 1/5 to AP 5/5; either approach is acceptable.
Hors de Commerce (HC)
Hors de Commerce roughly translates to “out of commerce,” or simply put: Not for Sale. The artists will sign their name along the lower margin of the print and instead of an AP, they write HC. Most HC prints are kept by the artists as a point of reference. It helps them to recall the paper type (stock of weight of the paper), styling, lines, and details (that were incorporated into the artwork), and the types of printing inks and colors they once used. Many artists will sell their HCs or use them for museum shows, one-person shows, or charitable functions.
Possessing a sample HC serves as a useful resource for the artist’s future endeavors or as guidance in creating new editions.
HCs hold financial worth and can often be purchased through galleries. In fact, some collectors deliberately seek out HCs and APs over standard limited-edition pieces, valuing their unique status. For a glimpse of HC examples, take a look at some of the works I’ve showcased by Bernard Berthois-Rigal.
In terms of documentation, the Certificate of Authenticity should detail the makeup of the edition. Continuing with our example, it should specify that the full set comprises 50 standard pieces, along with 5 APs and 5 HCs, offering complete transparency to potential buyers.
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