Signed and numbered

“Signed and numbered” is the convention that distinguishes a fine-art print from a poster. The artist signs each impression by hand — typically in pencil on the lower margin — and writes a fraction next to or below the signature: e.g. 12 / 100. The first number is the impression number; the second is the edition size.

The signature does three things. It identifies the artist personally. It commits the artist to that specific print as part of the official edition. And — over time — it ties the print to a known body of work, which has practical value for provenance, valuation, and resale.

The numbering serves a related but distinct purpose. The fraction records the impression’s position in the edition’s order, which historically mattered when prints were made from a physical plate that wore down across the run (earlier impressions were sharper). For digital pigment prints, every impression is technically identical, but the convention has stuck. Some collectors pay a premium for low impression numbers, artist’s proofs, or the final print in the edition.

Three numbering conventions you’ll see. Plain fractions (“12 / 100”) for the regular edition. “A.P.” or “AP” for artist’s proof, a small additional run kept by or sold via the artist. “H.C.” or “HC” for hors commerce — proofs kept by the publisher, not sold commercially, that occasionally appear at auction later.

At Clark & Darcey every limited edition is hand-signed by the artist on archival paper with a soft graphite pencil. The signature and impression number sit in the lower margin just below the image area, and are recorded on the digital certificate of authenticity.