Counterproofs

Counterproofs are a specialized category of artistic prints, primarily associated with the intaglio printmaking techniques of etching and drypoint. A counterproof is a duplicate of an original print, made by taking a freshly pulled impression, while it is still wet, and passing it through the press again, usually with a dampened sheet of paper. This second impression is not inked; instead, the ink from the wet original transfers to the clean paper. The resulting image is a mirror image of the original print.

The primary purpose of creating a counterproof is to obtain a reversed image that is easier to work from. For printmakers, this is particularly useful when they are making corrections or additions to the plate. By viewing the reversed image of their work, they can more accurately assess the composition and plan further modifications. It allows them to see their design as others will eventually see the final print.

Counterproofs are not intended for sale or exhibition as finished artworks. They are essentially working documents, tools for the artist's process. Because of their ephemeral nature and their role in the creative journey, they are often found in artists' studios or in collections that focus on the preparatory stages of printmaking. They offer valuable insight into the artist's thought process and the evolution of a print.