In intaglio printmaking, a ground refers to a thin layer of wax, varnish, or another resistant material applied to a metal plate. This layer protects certain areas of the plate from acid during the etching process, allowing the artist to create intricate designs. Once the ground is applied, the artist can draw into it, exposing the metal beneath, which will later hold ink and produce the final print. The type of ground used can affect the texture and quality of the lines produced.
Aquatint (Intaglio)
Wood Cut (engraving a block of wood).
The oldest form of intaglio printmaking is known as "engraving," which dates back to the 15th century. This technique involves incising a design onto a metal plate, typically using a burin or engraving tool. Early examples of engraving can be found in works by artists like Albrecht Dürer. The process laid the groundwork for later intaglio methods such as etching and aquatint.
Relief and intaglio are two distinct printmaking techniques. In relief printmaking, the raised surfaces of a block (such as wood or linoleum) are inked and pressed onto paper, producing an image where the inked areas stand out. Conversely, intaglio involves incising designs into a metal plate; the ink is applied to the entire plate and then wiped off the surface, leaving ink only in the recessed lines, resulting in an image that is recessed below the surface of the paper. These methods yield different visual textures and effects in the final print.
Yes, intaglio is considered the opposite of relief printing. In relief printing, the image is raised above the surface, and ink is applied to the raised areas, while in intaglio, the image is incised into a surface, and ink fills the recessed lines or grooves. When printed, relief methods produce an image that stands out, whereas intaglio produces an image that is sunken or embedded. Both techniques offer unique artistic effects and are widely used in printmaking.
In relief printmaking, the matrix is a block of wood or linoleum. Using knives and gouges, the artist cuts away lines and areas. When the artist rolls or dabs ink onto the block, the ink adheres only to the surface, skipping over the cut-away areas.Intaglio (from the Italian world to carve) might be considered the reverse of relief printing.The matrix in intaglio is a thin plate of metal (usually zinc or copper), plexiglass, or any other surface in which a line can be engraved. Each intaglio process uses a different method of creating permanent marks on the plate.
Etching.
Etching.
Cameo Surface: The surface that you can see. Intaglio Surface: The surface that you cannot see. Example, there is a dish on the table. Upper side of the dish is cameo surface and the bottom side of the dish is intaglio surface.
Printmaking originated in China around the 2nd century CE, with early techniques involving woodblock printing. This method allowed for the reproduction of texts and images on paper, significantly influencing communication and art. The practice eventually spread to other parts of Asia and Europe, evolving into various forms such as intaglio and lithography during the Renaissance. By the 15th century, printmaking had become an essential medium for artists and publishers alike.
Intaglio, which is the family of printing and printmaking techniques in which the image is incised into a surface, and the incised line or sunken area holds the ink, was developed after the invention of the printing press.
Manly Miles Banister has written: 'Making picture frames in wood' -- subject(s): Picture frames and framing 'Prints from linoblocks and woodcuts' -- subject(s): Prints, Technique 'Etching and other intaglio technique' 'Making picture frames' -- subject(s): Picture frames and framing 'Practical guide to etching and other intaglio printmaking techniques' -- subject(s): Technique, Intaglio printing 'Practical lithographic printmaking' -- subject(s): Lithography, Technique 'Conquest of earth' -- subject(s): OverDrive, Drama, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction 'Lithographic prints from stone and plate' -- subject(s): Lithography, Technique