On the contrary to relief, the ink is held in grooves on the block’s surface. Intaglio means incising in Italian and this technique was developed in the 1500s. Bemporad e Figlio editori, Firenze, 1924. RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging) allows to document embossing better than raking light. RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging) is the most suited photographic method to document embossing). Relief printing can show embossing on the back of the paper caused by the pressure applied.
Intaglio print serial number#
The bright green of the serial number shows ink rim on the edges, characteristic of relief printing. This is a sign characterizing only relief printing. The process of transferring the ink from the block applying pressure produces a characteristic rim on the edges of the printed lines. Then the ink is transferred by laying a sheet of paper and applying pressure. On the relief block – wood or metal – the non-printing areas are cut away and the ink is applied to the remaining raised areas by dabbing or with a roller. This is the oldest of the printing techniques.
Pre-photographic printing methods are classified in three main categories: Relief, Intaglio and Planographic. A great online resource is the IPI (Image Permanence Institute) Graphics Atlas. Though, even if the subject is complex, this doesn’t mean we cannot have some good time, experimenting a bit with prints. I like to share in this post some basic hints on their identification using the USB microscope but heartily recommending further readings, since the number of techniques and variations is extraordinary, so a definitive attribution deserve an advanced knowledge.
Printmaking history is fascinating as well as a complex subject. Looking at old and new prints with an USB microscope is revealing and with some experience can lead to their identification. We do run a lot of initiatives, Stay on top of things!