PHOTO GRAVURE Meaning and
Definition
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Photo gravure is a technique used in the field of printmaking and photography to reproduce images with fine details and tonal gradations. It involves a process that uses intaglio printing to transfer an image onto paper. In this technique, a metal plate, usually made of copper, is coated with a light-sensitive gelatin emulsion. The plate is then exposed to a positive photographic image, which causes the gelatin to harden in areas that are exposed to light while remaining soft in darker areas.
Next, the plate is soaked in warm water to remove the unhardened gelatin, creating recessed areas in the plate that correspond to the darkness and lightness of the original image. The plate is inked and wiped clean, leaving ink only in the recessed areas. A piece of damp paper is placed on top of the plate, and the two are pressed together using a high-pressure press. The ink is transferred onto the paper, resulting in a print that faithfully reproduces the original image with its tonal qualities and intricate details.
Photo gravure is known for its ability to create prints that rival the richness and subtlety of photographs. The process can produce high-quality prints in large editions, making it a popular choice among artists, photographers, and publishers seeking to produce works of art or reproductions with exceptional visual fidelity. It allows for detailed reproduction of fine lines, texture, and shading, making it particularly suitable for art photography, landscape images, and illustrations.
Common Misspellings for PHOTO GRAVURE
- ohoto gravure
- lhoto gravure
- -hoto gravure
- 0hoto gravure
- pgoto gravure
- pboto gravure
- pnoto gravure
Etymology of PHOTO GRAVURE
The word "photo gravure" has a combination of French and English etymology.
The term "photo" comes from the Greek word "phōtós" (φωτός), which means "light". It was combined with the English noun "gravure", which is derived from the French word "graver", meaning "to engrave" or "to carve".
The French word "gravure" itself stems from the Latin word "gravura", which originates from "gravis", meaning "heavy". "Gravura" refers to the process of engraving or carving a design onto a surface, often used for illustrations or printmaking.
Hence, the term "photo gravure" combines these elements, referring to a printing method that involves using a photo-impressed plate or cylinder for producing engraved images on paper.
