It is impossible to mention engraving without thinking of Albrecht Durer's beautiful engraved pieces, as well as his other printmaking masterpieces done with woodblock techniques. Also called etching, engraved art is some of the oldest art and ranks among woodblock, serigraph and lithography as a beautiful printmaking art. The first engraved image appeared in pre-historic times, though etching like Durer's, which is still practiced today, began in the 1400s.

The beautiful art form of etching requires sophisticated and skillful printmaking technique. If you are interested more in serigraph or lithography, feel free to browse other pages for more information about these beautiful techniques.
Etching is a relatively simple process (different from lithography) that results in striking "prints." The artist sketches a design on a metal plate, usually made of zinc or copper, with a small sharp-tipped steel bar called a burin. The plate is then inked and placed on a press. A piece of paper is passed through the press and the image from the plate makes an impression on it. Once dry, the paper is complete. A printmaking technique like etching produces a wide range of visual styles: from the simple and austere, to the complex and baroque, from the grotesque to the beautiful. The prints that result, sometimes in limited edition, are precious markers of the etching process. As you get to know printmaking techniques, you may even be able to tell the difference between an etching, serigraph or lithography print.

Contemporary artists continue to practice etching. The work of William Blake in the 19th century is a beautiful and riveting example of this printmaking practice. 20th century etching is best known in the images of Gabor Peterdi and Stanley William Hayter. It is a beautiful printmaking art form, sometimes used to illustrate books and increasingly used on its own. It is often less expensive to purchase an original etching, even in limited edition, than paintings. On this website there are beautiful reproductions of etched prints and limited edition prints well-worth considering. Other techniques are represented as well, from woodblock to serigraph and lithography. You will find the web a valuable place to learn more about these other printmaking techniques (serigraph, lithography and woodblock printing). Whether you know a lot about serigraph, lithography or woodblock, or not, you will find much fascinating information Enjoy your explorations! And hey, why not treat yourself with a limited edition print to celebrate all great things you learn?

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About The Author:

Barbara Swanson is a successful author and a distinguished freelance writer who specializes in art, music, education and international issues.