HC – Hors d'Commerce Proof If a print is signed Hors d'Commerce or HC, it means this print was destined for promotional use, most commonly as a sample for galleries or dealers.
Hors Commerce, a French term, means 'out of trade' in English. HC prints are only available from the artist directly. HCs are extremely rare and thus the most valuable.
Hors Commerce means 'out of trade' in English. HCs and APs are very similar except the former is only available directly from the artist. A HC is given as a gift to the artist for allowing the publisher to print their images. Of all the special prints, the HCs are the most valuable, because of their rarity.
H.C. stands for hors commerce, or “not to sell.” Similar to an artist's proof, this proof was set aside from the editioned prints. Often the H.C. impressions were used as exhibition copies, so that the works being sold were not over-handled or damaged.
Even though they look completely the same as any other print form the same edition, since artist's proofs only make around 10% of the edition, they are considered to be more exclusive (and more valuable) than regular prints.
Additionally, the initials AP will often be present to signify it being an artist's proof. Some artists will write these numbers in roman numerals, so they are easily distinguished by art collectors as artist's proofs instead of edition prints. Artist's proofs can be worth 20% to 50% more than any limited editions.
Artist's Proofs are exactly the same in terms of how they are printed, the colours, quality of printing, paper etc. Artists number them, often with Roman numerals and with the mark A/P. Artists sign them too, exactly the same as with the limited editions. There are not as many artists proofs released however.
The recipient of an honorary degree may add the degree title postnominally, but it should always be made clear that the degree is honorary by adding "honorary" or "honoris causa" or "h.c." in parentheses after the degree title.
The general rule of thumb is that if a print has been signed by the artist, it will be much more valuable. A signed print refers to a finished fine print with the artist's autograph. You'd expect a signed print to be signed by hand, and not through mechanical means of reproduction.
They are authentic if made by the artist, signed, and numbered. The artist will almost always limit the number of prints in order to sustain the value of the print, after which he will destroy the first one. They are all originals.
H/C means “Hurt/Comfort”, where a character is injured or otherwise vulnerable, and is comforted by another character(s). HC without the break can also mean “Head-canon”, or a theory that was never explicitly confirmed, mentioned or even hinted at in the source media, but which the writer thinks fits in.
Look for the edition number/size of print run and invest early. Always take into consideration the number of prints in an edition because it can affect the value of a print. If a print is part of a smaller edition, it is likely to be more valuable. Investing early can pay dividends, too.
You may be unhappy to know that most artwork is not especially valuable. The way you find out if yours is, is to first ask someone who has expertise, and if needed, to get an appraisal. Finding out is best accomplished by checking with an art gallery that represents the artist who created the art.
Consider finding an appraiser to determine the value of your artwork. Appraisers are trained specialists who work for a fee. They evaluate your piece and give you a written statement of its value.
Artists typically now number their prints so that collectors will know that this print edition is limited and that their print is part of the official edition. The numbering of a print does not in itself make that print any more or less valuable, but it does give collectors some important facts about the print.
A Print is usually flat and has a dot matrix pattern, the same pattern you find in magazines or book images. An Original Painting has irregular and uneven paint on the edges of the stretched canvas. A Print usually has sharp, even and clean edges; where the buyer typically does not look.
The Hans Christian Andersen Awards are two literary awards given by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), recognising one living author and one living illustrator for their "lasting contribution to children's literature". The writing award was first given in 1956, the illustration award in 1966.
The ANDERSEN AWARD is the most prestigious Italian award given to the best children's books of the year, their writers, illustrators, publishers and the organisations that promote reading and culture for children in Italy.
How many editions? Generally speaking, for contemporary art to steadily increase in value the size of the edition is best kept low, perhaps between 10 and 50 editions. Higher limited editions are usually reserved for iconic works from highly collectible artists like Charles Blackman or John Olsen.
What does a certificate of authenticity look like for artwork?
Newer certificates might be affixed with a hologram to match a hologram on the work or feature a serial number also placed on the work of art itself. Regardless of their exact form and details, these documents are intended to provide proof of proper attribution.
Artist's proofs are typically printed before the numbered edition and are used as a way for the artist to make final adjustments to the image or to experiment with different colour combinations.
