|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
drypoint
drypoint. A printmaking method in which the design is scratched directly into a copper plate with a pointed tool. This is usually a thick steel needle, sharpened to a point or diamond tipped. It is held like a pen, though considerable force is needed to scratch the metal to any depth. A distinctive feature of the method is created by the burr—the tiny upturned edge of the furrow made by the cutting tool. The burr retains the ink when the plate is wiped, giving to the drypoint line its characteristic rich and velvety quality, but because the edge is soon worn down by the pressure of the printing process, only a limited number of good impressions can be taken. The degree of blackness of the burred line changes with the variation in pressure of the artist's hand. Drypoint is therefore a more spontaneous and personal technique than line engraving, but it is not as fluent as etching, for the point is continuously up against the resistance of the metal.
Drypoint seems to have originated in the last quarter of the 15th century, the Master of the Housebook being the main pioneer. His prints are in pure drypoint, but the technique has more often been used in combination with other processes, particularly etching. Rembrandt, for example, often added dark accents in drypoint to his etchings. He also made a few prints purely in drypoint, notably one of his most celebrated works, The Three Crosses, and he sometimes used special papers to bring out the softness of the burr. |
|
|
Cite this article
IAN CHILVERS. "drypoint." The Oxford Dictionary of Art. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. IAN CHILVERS. "drypoint." The Oxford Dictionary of Art. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O2-drypoint.html IAN CHILVERS. "drypoint." The Oxford Dictionary of Art. 2004. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O2-drypoint.html |
|
drypoint
drypoint A printmaking method in which the design is scratched directly into a copper plate with a sharp tool that is held like a pen. It is a more spontaneous technique than line engraving, but not so fluent as etching. A distinctive feature of drypoint is provided by the burr—the tiny upturned edge of the furrow made by the cutting tool. This produces a soft, rich quality in the print, but because it soon wears down only a limited number of good impressions can be taken. Drypoint, which seems to have originated in the last quarter of the 15th century, has frequently been used in combination with other processes; Rembrandt, for example, often touched up his etchings in drypoint. He also made a few prints purely in drypoint, notably one of his most celebrated works, The Three Crosses, and he sometimes used special papers to bring out the softness of the burr.
|
|
|
Cite this article
IAN CHILVERS. "drypoint." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. IAN CHILVERS. "drypoint." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O3-drypoint.html IAN CHILVERS. "drypoint." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. 2003. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O3-drypoint.html |
|
drypoint
drypoint an intaglio printing process in which the lines are scratched directly into a metal plate with a needle; also, the print made from such a plate. Although it is often used in combination with etching , no acid is used for the drypoint. It differs from engraving in the type of tool employed and the consequent shallowness of the line. In drypoint the burr raised by the needle is usually left on the plate, producing a rich, velvety effect. It is characteristically a sketchy medium suitable for improvisation, but it can also be used to render fine detail. Unless the plate is steel faced, the burr deteriorates rapidly, allowing relatively few good prints to be pulled. Dürer, Rembrandt, Whistler, and Picasso are considered the greatest masters of the technique. |
|
|
Cite this article
"drypoint." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "drypoint." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-drypoint.html "drypoint." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-drypoint.html |
|
drypoint
drypoint Quick engraving technique, probably originating in the 15th century, using a sharply pointed tool to draw lines in a metal plate. The drypoint steel can produce different qualities of line according to the amount of pressure.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"drypoint." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "drypoint." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-drypoint.html "drypoint." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-drypoint.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
