Which type of print is annotated H.C.?

The annotation "H.C." refers to "Hors Commerce," which translates from French to "outside of trade." This term is used in the context of printmaking to denote a specific type of proof that is not intended for sale. Instead, these proofs are often reserved for the artist and are typically used to signify a print that may be gifted or kept for promotional reasons.

Hors Commerce proofs are often created in small quantities and are distinguished from regular edition prints. Such proofs may contain the same image as the final prints but serve a different purpose from those meant for commercial distribution. The use of "H.C." indicates that these prints are not included in the regular edition and may not carry the same market value as prints that are part of the signed and numbered edition.

In contrast, other types of prints such as variable edition prints have a different nature, as they involve changes made to the original plate or screen, creating unique prints. Cancellation prints are made using a plate that has been deliberately destroyed or altered, while state proofs refer to prints created during different stages of the printing process, often used for evaluation purposes. Each of these options has distinct definitions and uses in printmaking, which is what differentiates them from the meaning of Hors Commerce