Copper plate engraving - Works on paper

Incision: Once the soft ground is dry, the artist uses sharp tools such as drypoints or burins to directly engrave into the surface of the plate. The artist creates lines, patterns, and textures by removing the soft ground, revealing the metal beneath.

Inking: Once the engraving is complete, ink is applied to the entire surface of the plate. Then, the excess ink is wiped away using soft cloths or paper, leaving ink only in the recessed parts.

Wiping: After inking, the artist uses gentle cloths or pads to carefully wipe the surface of the plate, removing ink from the non-engraved areas. This allows the ink to remain only in the grooves of the engraving.

Printing: Once the plate is inked and wiped, a dampened substrate, typically paper, is pressed against the plate using an intaglio press. The applied pressure transfers the ink from the recessed parts onto the paper, creating the print.

Aesthetic characteristics: Intaglio engraving offers prints with fine, precise, and detailed lines. The recessed areas of the engraving hold the ink, resulting in delicate and subtle impressions. Different intaglio techniques, such as etching, aquatint, and drypoint, offer variations in tonality and texture.

Artistic uses: Intaglio engraving is used in various artistic fields, such as creating art prints, illustrative engravings, illustrated books, business cards, and banknotes. Artists can experiment with different techniques and combinations to create unique and expressive prints.

Intaglio engraving is a demanding technique that allows artists to create precise and detailed prints. It offers a wide range of artistic possibilities and is appreciated for its refined aesthetic and meticulous control of details. Intaglio engraving has been used by many renowned artists throughout history, such as Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, and Francisco Goya.

In addition to artists, intaglio engraving is also used in the field of printmaking and art publishing. Intaglio prints are often produced in limited editions, numbered and signed by the artist. They are highly sought after by art collectors due to their craftsmanship and artistic value.

Intaglio engraving provides artists with the opportunity to create timeless prints and explore a wide range of techniques and styles. It is a fascinating form of artistic expression that requires both technical skill and creativity, enabling artists to produce unique and captivating works.