Photogravure

Definition

Photogravure is a printing process that uses a photographic image etched onto a metal plate, allowing for high-quality reproductions of images. This technique combines photography with intaglio printmaking, which means it can produce rich tonal images that capture the nuances of the original photograph. It became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for reproducing art and photographic works in books and magazines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Photogravure was developed in the mid-19th century as a way to achieve better quality prints from photographs compared to traditional methods.
2. This process involves a complex series of steps, including coating a metal plate with light-sensitive gelatine, exposing it to light through a negative, and then etching the image onto the plate.
3. Photogravure was especially popular among artists and publishers for reproducing works in limited editions, allowing greater access to fine art.
4. The technique produces rich blacks and subtle gradations of tone, making it ideal for reproducing photographs with fine detail.
5. While photogravure saw a decline with the rise of offset printing in the mid-20th century, it remains valued in fine art printmaking for its unique quality.

Review Questions

• How does photogravure differ from other printing techniques like lithography and halftone?
  • Photogravure differs from lithography and halftone in its use of a metal plate with an etched photographic image, producing richer tones and details compared to the flatter appearance of lithography. Lithography relies on oil and water separation on a flat surface, while halftone breaks images into dots. Photogravure's intaglio method allows for deeper ink penetration into the paper, resulting in higher-quality reproductions of images with subtle tonal variations.
• What were some key reasons for the popularity of photogravure in art reproduction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • Photogravure gained popularity for art reproduction due to its ability to create high-quality prints that captured intricate details and tonal variations of original works. It allowed publishers to offer beautiful reproductions in books and magazines at a time when access to art was expanding. Artists appreciated photogravure for its fidelity to their work, making it possible to reach wider audiences without compromising on quality.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on the decline of photogravure as a dominant printing technique.
  • The decline of photogravure can be largely attributed to advancements in printing technology, particularly offset printing, which became more cost-effective and efficient. As offset printing gained popularity due to its speed and ability to produce large quantities, photogravure's intricate process became less desirable for mass production. However, this shift also led to a resurgence of interest in photogravure within fine art circles, as artists sought unique qualities that only this method could provide, highlighting its significance even amidst technological change.

Related terms

Intaglio: A printing technique where the image is incised into a surface, and the recessed areas hold the ink, allowing for detailed and rich prints.

Lithography: A method of printing based on the immiscibility of oil and water, where an image is drawn on a flat surface and inked to produce prints.

Halftone: A technique used to reproduce images by breaking them down into dots of varying sizes and spacing to simulate shades of gray or color.