Photogravure

Definition

Photogravure is a printmaking technique that combines photography and intaglio printing, allowing for the reproduction of detailed images on paper. This method uses a light-sensitive emulsion to transfer photographic images onto a copper plate, which is then etched to create the final print. The result is a rich, tonal image that captures the subtleties of the original photograph, making it a popular choice for fine art printing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Photogravure originated in the 19th century and was widely used for reproducing photographs in books and periodicals.
2. The process involves coating a copper plate with a light-sensitive gelatin layer, which hardens when exposed to light through a photographic negative.
3. After exposure, the unhardened gelatin is washed away, leaving behind a relief image that can be etched into the copper plate.
4. Photogravure is known for its ability to produce rich tonal ranges and fine details, making it ideal for high-quality art prints.
5. This technique is often associated with fine art photography and has been used by notable artists like Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Weston.

Review Questions

• How does photogravure combine elements of both photography and traditional printmaking techniques?
  • Photogravure merges photography with intaglio printmaking by using a light-sensitive emulsion on a copper plate to capture photographic images. After exposure to light through a negative, the plate undergoes an etching process that allows for the reproduction of intricate details and tones from the original photograph. This unique combination allows artists to create prints that reflect both photographic realism and the tactile qualities of printmaking.
• Discuss the steps involved in creating a photogravure print from start to finish.
  • Creating a photogravure print begins with coating a copper plate with a light-sensitive gelatin layer. The plate is then exposed to light using a photographic negative, which hardens the gelatin in areas where light hits. The unhardened gelatin is washed away, leaving behind an image that can be etched into the plate using acid. Once etched, ink is applied to the plate's surface, wiped clean, and finally pressed onto paper to produce the final print.
• Evaluate the significance of photogravure in the evolution of photographic reproduction techniques and its impact on fine art printing.
  • Photogravure played a pivotal role in advancing photographic reproduction techniques by offering artists a way to achieve high-quality prints that captured the depth and detail of original photographs. Its introduction transformed how images were disseminated in publications and galleries, allowing for greater accessibility to photographic art. Moreover, photogravure's distinctive qualities contributed to its status within fine art printing, influencing subsequent generations of artists and printmakers who sought to explore the interplay between photography and printmaking.

Related terms

Intaglio: A printmaking technique where an image is incised into a surface, and the incised line or area holds the ink during printing.

Etching: A form of intaglio printing where a metal plate is coated with a waxy ground, and lines are drawn through the ground to create an image, which is then etched in acid.

Halftone: A technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots of varying size, spacing, and opacity.