All About Intaglio Printmaking

What is intaglio printmaking?

Intaglio printmaking is a printing and printmaking process where a surface is incised with an image, and the incised line or sunken region contains the ink. It is the opposite of relief print, with the image-making components of the matrix protruding above the primary surface.

Intaglio Printmaking Process

Intaglio printmaking involves plates made of copper or zinc, where the image is incised using techniques such as etching, engraving, dry point, aquatint, or mezzotint. The ink is held in the sunken areas of the plate.

Examples of Intaglio Printmaking Techniques

Examples of intaglio printmaking techniques include etching, engraving, dry point, and mezzotint. These techniques are commonly used to create intricate and detailed prints.

Intaglio Printmaking Influences

Until the mid-nineteenth century, intaglio techniques had a significant influence on artistic printmaking and various types of popular prints. The detailed and precise nature of intaglio prints made them popular among artists and printmakers.