Intaglioplaate

Intaglioplaate, commonly referred to in English as intaglio plates, are metal plates prepared for the intaglio family of printmaking techniques. In intaglio, the image is incised, etched, or otherwise cut into the plate so that the recessed lines retain ink. When the plate is inked and wiped, the ink remains in the depressions and is transferred to damp paper under pressure, producing prints with fine lines and rich tonal variation.

Historically, intaglio printing developed in Europe during the 15th century, with engraving and etching becoming prominent methods. It played a central role in the production of both original artworks and reproductive prints through the 17th to 19th centuries, popular among artists such as Dürer and Rembrandt and later among various printmakers worldwide.

Techniques used with intaglioplaate include engraving (direct cutting with a burin), etching (coating the plate with a resist and biting it with acid), drypoint (raising a burr to create soft lines), mezzotint (creating broad tonal areas), and aquatint (developing tonal gradations with powdered resin). Often, artists combine multiple techniques on a single plate to achieve a range of line and tone.

Materials and process: traditional plates are copper, though zinc, steel, and aluminum are also used. After the image is created, the plate is cleaned and inked, then wiped to leave ink only in recessed lines. Damp paper is pressed onto the plate in a press to transfer the image. Prints are produced in editions and may be signed and numbered by the artist.

Conservation and handling: intaglio plates can corrode if not stored properly, and the resulting prints require appropriate archival handling and storage to prevent fading or deterioration. See also engraving, etching, mezzotint, and aquatint.