Definitions for "Hors commerce"
A term refering to an impression outside the limits of the edition. The phrase originally meant "not for sale." Since these prints have a cachet, artists often produce a large number of H.C. prints. See artist's proof, proof, bon a tirer.
A portion of an edition not offered for sale.
Hors Commerce (Not for Trade) traditionally were the graphics pulled with the regular edition, but were marked by the artist for business use only. These graphics were used for entering exhibitions and competitions, but today, these graphics generally are allowed into distribution through regular channels.