Print Engravings

Print Engravings

Print engravings refer to the process of creating printed images using engraved plates. Engraving is a technique in which an image is incised into a hard surface, typically metal, using a tool called a burin. The engraved plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, creating a print. Print engravings were widely used in the past for reproducing images, particularly in the fields of art and illustration. Print engravings have a long history, dating back to the 15th century. The technique was initially used for printing playing cards and religious images, but it quickly gained popularity for printing illustrations and maps. In the 18th and 19th centuries, print engravings were widely used for book illustrations and newspapers, and the technique was perfected to produce fine art prints. The process of creating a print engraving is highly skilled and time-consuming. The artist first draws the image onto the plate, which is then engraved using a burin. The engraved plate is then inked and wiped, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The plate is then placed onto a press, and a sheet of paper is placed on top. The press applies pressure, transferring the ink from the plate onto the paper. Print engravings are highly valued for their fine detail and clarity. The technique allows for precise lines and shading, creating a highly detailed image. Print engravings are also known for their durability, as the engraved plate can be used to create multiple prints.

engraving, printing, illustration, burin, detail

— Richard Martinez