Photogravure

Definition

Photogravure is a printmaking process that uses photography to create intaglio prints. This method allows for high-quality reproductions of images and was widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the context of fine art photography and publications, connecting directly with the rise of artistic photography and the efforts to elevate its status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Photogravure was developed in the mid-19th century and became popular for its ability to produce detailed images with subtle tonal variations.
2. The process involves transferring a photographic image onto a metal plate coated with a light-sensitive gelatin, which is then etched to create an intaglio printing plate.
3. This technique was essential in the publication of photographic portfolios and art books, helping to showcase photographers' work to a broader audience.
4. Alfred Stieglitz utilized photogravure in his publications like 'Camera Work,' promoting photography as a legitimate art form alongside traditional mediums.
5. The decline of photogravure began with the rise of newer printing technologies, such as offset printing, which were more cost-effective and easier to produce.

Review Questions

• How did photogravure influence the perception of photography as an art form during its peak usage?
  • Photogravure significantly influenced the perception of photography as an art form by allowing photographers to produce high-quality reproductions of their work. This process enabled detailed tonal variations and rich textures, elevating photographic images to fine art standards. Photographers like Alfred Stieglitz embraced this medium, using it to showcase their artistic vision and promote photography's legitimacy alongside painting and sculpture.
• Discuss the role of Alfred Stieglitz in advancing photogravure within the art community.
  • Alfred Stieglitz played a crucial role in advancing photogravure by utilizing it in his influential publication 'Camera Work.' He showcased the work of prominent photographers through this medium, highlighting its ability to produce stunning prints that captured artistic intent. By promoting photogravure as an essential tool for artists, Stieglitz helped shift public perception and positioned photography as a serious contender in the fine arts realm.
• Evaluate the significance of photogravure in the broader context of art movements and technological advancements during its time.
  • Photogravure holds significant importance in the broader context of art movements and technological advancements because it represented a fusion of artistry and innovation. It allowed artists to reproduce their works with exceptional detail, contributing to movements like Pictorialism, which emphasized aesthetics over documentation. Additionally, its use in publications helped democratize access to fine art, fostering appreciation for photography as an evolving medium. As technology advanced, photogravure's decline mirrored shifts in artistic practices, paving the way for new forms of visual expression.

Related terms

Intaglio: A printmaking technique where the image is incised into a surface, with the incised line or image holding the ink.

Halftone: A printing technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots, varying in size or spacing, commonly used in newspapers and magazines.

Alfred Stieglitz: An influential photographer and art promoter who played a key role in establishing photography as a recognized form of fine art.