Sort & Filter
Shop Art by Price
Browse Copperplate Engraving
Sort & Filter
Copperplate engraving is a traditional printmaking technique that involves etching a design into a smooth copper plate. This method dates back to the 15th century and became especially significant in the 16th through the 18th centuries for producing detailed illustrations, maps, and artistic prints. Artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt van Rijn are renowned for their mastery of this technique, which allowed for high levels of detail and subtlety in shading that were unparalleled in other printmaking forms of the time.
The technique involves engraving an image onto a copper plate using a burin or engraver, then inking the plate, wiping the surface clean, and pressing it onto paper. The resulting prints are capable of a wide range of tonal variation and intricate detail, making them highly valued both as works of art and as technical achievements.
In contemporary art, copperplate engraving is less common but is still practiced by artists who appreciate its historical significance and the distinctive aesthetic it can produce. These modern engravings often explore traditional subjects with a contemporary twist or focus on entirely new themes relevant to today's societal issues.
Art collectors might be drawn to copperplate engravings for several reasons. The intricate detail and historical technique involved often make these prints highly collectible and desirable as connections to the rich history of art. Additionally, because the process requires considerable skill and craftsmanship, each piece is a testament to the artist's mastery of the medium. Collecting copperplate engravings can also be a way of preserving this traditional art form, supporting artists who continue to keep these skills alive in the modern era.
The technique involves engraving an image onto a copper plate using a burin or engraver, then inking the plate, wiping the surface clean, and pressing it onto paper. The resulting prints are capable of a wide range of tonal variation and intricate detail, making them highly valued both as works of art and as technical achievements.
In contemporary art, copperplate engraving is less common but is still practiced by artists who appreciate its historical significance and the distinctive aesthetic it can produce. These modern engravings often explore traditional subjects with a contemporary twist or focus on entirely new themes relevant to today's societal issues.
Art collectors might be drawn to copperplate engravings for several reasons. The intricate detail and historical technique involved often make these prints highly collectible and desirable as connections to the rich history of art. Additionally, because the process requires considerable skill and craftsmanship, each piece is a testament to the artist's mastery of the medium. Collecting copperplate engravings can also be a way of preserving this traditional art form, supporting artists who continue to keep these skills alive in the modern era.
