Diepdrukken

Diepdrukken, also known as intaglio printing, is an image transferring process where the image to be printed is etched or engraved into a printing plate. This creates recessed areas that hold the ink. The plate is then inked, and the excess ink is wiped from the surface, leaving ink only in the recessed grooves. Paper is then pressed onto the plate, and the pressure forces the paper into the recessed areas, picking up the ink. This results in a print where the image is formed by lines and tones that are physically deeper than the unprinted areas of the paper.

Historically, diepdruk was a common method for producing high-quality prints, especially for illustrations and photographs. Two primary methods are used in diepdruk: engraving and etching. Engraving involves cutting lines directly into a metal plate with a sharp tool, while etching uses acid to corrode the metal plate along lines that have been exposed through a protective coating. Photogravure is a photographic variation where an image is transferred to a plate and then etched, allowing for the reproduction of continuous tones, making it suitable for detailed images. The intaglio process allows for a wide tonal range and a characteristic raised ink feel on the printed surface. While less common today for mass production due to the expense and complexity compared to offset printing, it remains valued for its artistic qualities and the unique tactile and visual results it produces.