Engraving

Engraving is another intaglio technique. Similar to etching, the technique was originally practised on copper plate, though modern engravings are often made on zinc.

Engraving uses a plate of metal and a cutting tool known as a burin to make incisions and effectively scratch metal away from the surface.

The engraved plate can be covered with ink in all directions, before the surface layer is wiped clean. The plate is then added to a large roller with paper and the ink from the engraved lines makes an impression upon the paper.

Engraving became the preferred method of mass print in the 1500s and could easily replicate many paintings for years and new techniques such as mezzotint and stipple engraving were developed. Jacques Villon was a 20^th century engraver and brought the technique back to the modern world. Click here.

Artists like Eric Gill continued to use engraving and experimented with wood engraving techniques. Click here.

Engraving is another technique that involves good practice and care. Similar to other intaglio techniques, an A-level student on a budget is probably best experimenting first using plaster or clay plates to practise engraving, documenting development and critically analysing it while working toward a final project that may include wood or metal engraving techniques.