Graphic engraving is a printmaking technique of making prints from metal plates into which a design has been incised with a cutting tool called a burin. This process is used to create intricate images or designs that can then be transferred onto paper or other materials by inking the plate and pressing it.
The Engraving Process
The core of graphic engraving lies in the act of incising.
- Incising: Using a burin, a specialized hand tool with a sharp point, the artist cuts or carves lines into the surface of a metal plate. The shape and depth of the cut determine the quality of the printed line.
- Plate Material: While historically various metals were used, modern examples are almost invariably made from copperplates. For this reason, the process is also often called copperplate engraving.
- Printing: Once the design is fully incised, ink is applied to the plate, filling the incised lines. The surface is then wiped clean, leaving ink only in the grooves. A damp piece of paper is placed over the plate, and both are run through a high-pressure printing press. The pressure forces the paper into the incised lines, picking up the ink and creating the printed image.
Key Elements of Graphic Engraving
This technique relies on specific tools and materials to achieve its characteristic detailed lines and tones.
| Component | Role in Engraving Process |
|---|---|
| Metal Plate | The surface into which the design is incised. Modernly, this is typically copper. |
| Burin | The principal cutting tool used to incise lines into the metal plate. |
| Incising | The action of cutting the design into the plate with the burin. |
Graphic engraving is valued for its ability to produce sharp, precise lines and rich tonal variations, making it a significant technique in the history of printmaking and graphic arts.
