| Artist Proof |
A print outside of the numbered series, usually 1/10 of the edition. |
| Aquatint |
An intaglio method in which areas of color are made by dusting powdered resign on a metal plate and then letting acid eat the plate surface away from around it. |
| Bon-à-tirer |
(Fr. "Good to pull"; pron. bone-ah-ti-RAY) The first impression of a print run acceptable to the artist and used as the standard with which each subsequent impression is compared. |
| Dry Point |
An intaglio technique like engraving in which the image is drawn on a metal plate with a needle, raising a ridge which prints a soft line. |
| Edition |
The authorized number of impressions made from a single image, including all numbered prints and proofs. A limited edition has a specified number noted on the impression. |
| Embossed Print
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Uninked relief print in which dampened paper is pressed into recessed areas of a plate to produce a three-dimensional impression. |
| Engraving |
An intaglio process in which lines are cut into a metal plate and then filled with ink to transfer the image onto paper. |
| Etching |
An intaglio process in which an image is scratched through an acid-resistant coating on a metal plate. The plate is then dipped in acid which eats into the exposed surface.
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| Giclée |
(Fr. "Fine Spray"; pron. zhee-clay) A computer generated print that is produced by the spraying of an image on to fine art paper or canvas and photo-base paper.
See also IRIS Print.
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| Graphic |
Any work printed directly on paper from a plate or block. |
| Hors de Commerce (H.C.) |
(Fr. "Outside of Sale"; pron. OR de com-AIRCE) A designation for prints not in the numbered series pulled for the use of the publisher, normally limited to five or six. |
| Intaglio |
(Ital. "Incision"; pron. in-TAHL-yo) Any technique in which an image is incised below the surface of the plate, including dry point, etching, aquatint, engraving, and mezzotint.
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| IRIS Print |
Was the creator of Giclée, IRIS refers to the brand name of the printer. |
| Limited Edition |
A predetermined number of impressions made from a plate (after which no more impressions are taken). The seller should inform the consumer of the number of impressions in the edition. |
| Linocut |
A process in which an image is cut in relief on a linoleum block. |
| Lithograph |
A planographic process in which images are drawn with crayon or a greasy ink on stone or metal and then transferred to paper.
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| Mezzotint |
An intaglio process in which the plate surface is roughened and then an image is created by smoothing the areas to be printed. |
| Monotype |
A unique print made from an inked, painted glass or metal plate. |
| Photomechanical Offset Printing |
A process in which an image is transferred to a printing plate photographically and then onto a roller which prints on paper. An offset print is not a graphic. |
| Planography |
Any process of printing from a surface level with the plate, as lithography. |
| Relief |
A technique in which the portions of a plate intended to print are raised above the surface, as woodcut, linocut, etc. |
| Roman Numbered
Edition |
A smaller edition numbered with Roman numerals, usually a deluxe edition on higher quality paper |
| Serigraphy |
(Screenprinting, Silkscreen) A stenciling method in which the image is transferred to paper by forcing ink through a fine mesh in which the background has been blocked.
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| Signed and
Numbered |
Authenticated with the artist's signature, the total number of impressions in the edition, and the order in which the impression is signed; "5/20" indicates that the print is the fifth signed of an edition of 20 impressions. |
| State (1st, 2nd, etc.) |
Version of a print which has been altered in color or image as the edition is printed. |
| Toccare |
Means “To Touch”. A Toccare™ is built up with as many as 18 layers of both color and texture.
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| Woodcut |
A process in which an image is cut in relief on a wood block. |
