Artist’s Proofs: AP, EA, PP, HC and BAT Explained
Proof terminology describes an impression’s role in producing or distributing an edition. The letters can help identify a print, but they do not create value on their own.
AP and EA
AP means artist’s proof; EA is the French equivalent, épreuve d’artiste. These impressions are generally outside the numbered edition and historically were retained for the artist. Modern publishing practices vary, and proofs may enter the market.
PP and HC
PP means printer’s proof and is associated with the printer or workshop. HC, hors commerce, means outside normal commerce and can refer to impressions intended for presentation, publisher use or another non-retail purpose. Confirm how the specific publisher used the notation.
BAT, trial proofs and state proofs
BAT, bon à tirer, is the approved impression used as the standard for printing the edition and is typically singular. Trial, working, color and state proofs can record stages or variations before the final edition. A proof that materially differs from the edition needs its own comparables.
Do proofs command a premium?
Sometimes, but not by rule. Demand for the artist and image, documented scarcity, meaningful differences, provenance and condition are more persuasive than the letters alone. Compare like with like: an AP sale is not always a reliable comparable for a numbered impression.