Fotogravyyriä

Fotogravyyriä is a Finnish term referring to photogravure, a fine art printmaking technique. It combines elements of photography and etching. The process begins with a photographic negative, which is used to create a positive image on a copper plate. This is typically achieved through a carbon tissue, a gelatin-coated paper that is exposed to light through the negative. The exposed tissue is then transferred to the polished copper plate.

Subsequent stages involve washing away the unexposed gelatin, revealing a relief image on the plate. This copper plate is then etched, meaning it is treated with acid. The acid bites into the plate in areas where the gelatin is thinner, creating recessed areas. The depth and texture of these recessed areas will hold varying amounts of ink during the printing process.

To print, the plate is inked, and the excess ink is wiped from the surface, leaving ink only in the etched depressions. Paper is then pressed against the plate under high pressure, transferring the ink to create the final print. Photogravure is known for its rich tonal range, producing prints with subtle gradations of light and shadow, similar to photographic continuous tones. It was a popular method for reproducing photographs in books and fine art prints in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, valued for its ability to capture fine detail and subtle nuances.