copperplate engraving

Copperplate engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique where a design is incised into a metal plate, typically copper, using a sharp tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure, creating a print with a rich, three-dimensional surface. This method, also known as line engraving, produces sharp, precise lines and can suggest tone and shading through parallel lines or crosshatching.1234

Copperplate engraving originated in the mid-15th century in Germany and Italy. It was widely used for creating bank notes, securities, and stamps due to its resistance to counterfeiting. The term "copperplate script" also refers to a neat, calligraphic handwriting style popularized in the 18th century, modeled after engravings.2456