Drypoint

Drypoint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family, in which an image is incised into a plate (typically copper, zinc, or plexiglas) by scratching the surface with a hard, sharp metal point. This technique is different from engraving, in which the incisions are made by gouging. While engraved lines are very smooth and hard-edged, drypoint scratching leaves a rough burr at the edges of each line. This burr gives drypoint prints a characteristically soft, and sometimes blurry, line quality. Because the pressure of printing quickly destroys the burr, drypoint is useful only for very small editions. To counter this, and allow for longer print runs, electro-plating can harden the surface of a plate.

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Rembrandt is well-known for his use of drypoint.

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Printmaking: Printmaking is a process for producing multiple original pieces of artwork; painting, on the other hand, is a process for producing a single original piece of artwork. Prints are created from a single original surface, most commonly linoleum, metal or wood. Each print is considered an original work ...

Intaglio: Intaglio (printmaking) is a printmaking technique in which the image is incised into a surface....

Copper: Copper is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Cu and atomic number 29....