counterproof

A counterproof is a copy of a print that is made by pressing a fresh impression of the plate or block onto paper that is still damp from the original print. This process transfers some of the ink from the original print to the fresh paper, creating a reversed image of the original. Counterproofs are often lighter and less detailed than the original print.

The primary purpose of creating a counterproof is for archival or study purposes. Artists might make counterproofs to examine the details of their work in a reversed format, which can sometimes reveal subtle aspects of the composition or technique. They can also serve as a way to preserve a record of a print, especially if the original is fragile or at risk of damage. Counterproofs are not typically considered original works of art in themselves, but rather a secondary impression derived from an original.

The technique requires careful timing, as the original print must be sufficiently wet for the ink to transfer, but not so wet that it smudges or tears. The paper used for the counterproof is typically dampened before being pressed against the original. This method is distinct from making a direct print, which involves applying ink to a matrix and then pressing paper onto it. Counterproofs are essentially a transfer, rather than a direct creation.