marcature

Marcature is a term used across disciplines to denote marks, inscriptions, or annotations applied to objects, documents, or surfaces to identify, classify, or record information. The scope ranges from physical marks carved or stamped on artifacts to textual annotations in manuscripts and printed works.

Etymology: the word derives from the Italian marcatura, meaning marking, itself from marca, meaning mark or brand.

In publishing and manuscript work, marcature refers to editorial signs and marginalia used to indicate changes, corrections, or layout instructions.

In philately and numismatics, marcature are inscriptions, symbols, mint marks, cancellations, or overprints that appear on coins and stamps and are important for dating and authentication.

In archaeology and art, marcature may include signatures, monograms, or workshop marks that identify the creator or studio.

In manufacturing and product labeling, marcature are serial numbers, lot codes, barcodes, and other identifiers applied to products for traceability.

In archival and bibliographic contexts, marcature are marginal notes and annotations added by readers or editors that document provenance, condition, or interpretive insights.

Because marcature can affect attribution, dating, and value, the study of marcature is an important part of cataloging, conservation, and authentication.