Gravüüre

Gravüüre is a term that can refer to several related concepts, primarily in the context of printing and engraving. Most commonly, it refers to an intaglio printing process where an image is incised into a metal plate. The incised lines are then filled with ink, and paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the ink from the grooves to the paper. This results in raised ink lines on the printed surface, giving gravüüre prints a distinct tactile quality. The process is also known as engraving.

Another related meaning of gravüüre is the resulting print or image produced by this engraving method. These prints are often characterized by their fine detail and rich tonal range, making them suitable for reproducing artwork, illustrations, and photographs. Historically, gravüüre was a significant method for mass-producing images before the advent of modern photographic printing techniques.

In a broader sense, gravüüre can also describe the act of engraving itself, the process of cutting or carving an image or inscription into a hard surface, typically metal or stone. This can be done for decorative purposes, to create seals, or for functional applications like the production of printing plates. The precision and skill required for gravüüre emphasize its artisanal nature.