Gravüreerimist

Gravüreerimist, also known as engraving, is a printmaking technique where an image is created by incising or cutting lines into a metal plate, typically copper or zinc. The artist uses a sharp tool called a burin or a drypoint needle to remove metal, forming grooves. When the plate is inked, the ink settles into these incised lines. The surface of the plate is then wiped clean, leaving ink only within the grooves. A piece of paper is placed over the inked plate, and both are passed through a printing press. The immense pressure of the press forces the paper into the grooves, picking up the ink and transferring the image. This process results in a print with a characteristic dry, slightly raised line quality. Gravure printing, while a related term, often refers to a photomechanical process for mass production and is distinct from traditional hand-engraving techniques.