gravures

Gravures, also known as engravings or intaglio prints, refer to a family of printmaking techniques in which an image is incised into a metal plate, traditionally copper or zinc. The incised lines or areas hold ink, which is transferred to paper by pressure.

The principal methods within gravure include line engraving, etching, aquatint, and mezzotint. In engraving, a burin carves directly into the metal to create lines; in etching, the plate is protected by a ground, the artist draws through it, and acid bites the exposed metal. Aquatint produces tonal areas through powdered resin, while mezzotint roughens the surface to yield rich gradations of tone.

Originating in 15th-century Europe, gravure played a crucial role in book illustration and portraiture, with early practitioners such as Albrecht Dürer and later Rembrandt contributing to its development. In fine art contexts, gravures are valued as original prints produced from carved or etched plates, often signed and editioned by the artist.

Industrial gravure, or rotogravure, is a modern adaptation used for high-volume reproduction. It employs a cylinder engraved with microscopic cells that hold ink; the cylinder transfers ink to dampened paper or film, enabling continuous-tone images. Rotogravure is widely used in magazines, catalogs, and packaging, offering high print quality and large runs, though it requires specialized equipment and color management.

Conservation considerations for gravures include plate wear and aging inks, as well as the need for careful storage of papers and plates. Gravures remain central to both the history of printmaking and contemporary commercial reproduction.