Impact of the method of making a printing form of artistic intaglio printing on the quality of prints

The article presents a comparative analysis of the influence of the method of making a printing form of artistic intaglio printing on the quality of prints. The techniques selected for analysis are drypoint, aquatint, etching, mezzotint according to four criteria - detail, depth of tone, uniformity of image, circulation. For the analysis, a printing form was made of brass (using the specified techniques) with a circulation of 50 prints, which allowed for a visual comparison of prints. Printing was carried out using specialized (Charbonnel inks) and widely used materials for print printing from intaglio printing forms.

The analysis showed that each of the techniques has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when choosing a method of making a printing form. Etching has good detail of the resulting image, depth of tone, quality of circulation. Aquatint and mezzotint techniques showed good depth of tone, uniformity of image, but lower detail, and lower resistance of the form to replication. Drypoint has good graphic expressiveness, depth of tone, but low resistance of the form to replication.

The study confirms the influence of the method of making the form on the quality of the print. The analysis emphasized the importance of choosing the manner of making the form, taking into account both the artistic idea and the technical capabilities of a particular technique to reproduce it in proper quality and the required circulation. The results of the analysis can be used in graphic workshops, art educational institutions or further research into art printing. Further research is advisable in terms of the materials used in printing and their influence on the quality of prints.

Keywords: printmaking, etching, aquatint, artist, intaglio, print quality.

doi: 10.32403/0554-4866-2025-1-89-85-93