Intaglio art history is the study of intaglio printmaking, a type of printmaking that has been around since the Renaissance period. Intaglio is a form of printmaking in which an image is incised into a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, with a tool such as a burin.
The image is then inked and transferred onto paper through the pressure of printing. Intaglio prints are characterized by their fine lines and detail.
The earliest known intaglio prints date back to the 15th century in Italy, when it was used as a form of currency. The most popular form at this time was engraving on copper plates.
Intaglio art flourished during the Renaissance period and was often used to illustrate books and manuscripts. During this time, intaglio techniques such as etching were also developed that allowed for more detailed works of art.
In the 18th century, intaglio prints became more widely used for decorative purposes rather than currency and were often used to create book illustrations and political cartoons. Artists such as William Blake, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Francisco Goya and Jacques Callot made significant contributions to the development of intaglio art during this time period. In addition to etching, aquatint and mezzotint became popular forms of printmaking during this period as well.
The 19th century saw a resurgence in intaglio printmaking with the invention of photogravure by Karl Klic in 1869. This process allowed for sharper lines and greater detail than traditional methods, allowing for more lifelike prints that could be reproduced quickly and easily. Photogravure is still widely used today by artists such as Salvador Dali who use it to create unique works of art that mix elements from both traditional and modern techniques.
Intaglio art continues to be practiced today by both professional artists and hobbyists alike who use modern materials such as aluminum plates instead of copper or zinc plates to create their work. Intaglio prints are still highly sought after for their fine lines and sharp details, making them popular among collectors who appreciate beautiful works of art that capture moments in time.
Conclusion:What Is Intaglio Art History?
Intaglio art history is the study of intaglio printmaking which has been around since the Renaissance period. It involves incising an image into a metal plate with a tool such as a burin before transferring it onto paper through pressure printing which results in fine lines with sharp details that make it highly sought after amongst collectors today.