Printmaking: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for creating artworks by printing, often done on paper.

• She studied printmaking at the art academy.
• His passion for printmaking started in college.

Involves carving or cutting designs into a hard surface, usually metal. Often used for detailed images or texts.

• The intricate engraving on the silver cup took many hours to complete.
• He specializes in engraving fine jewelry.

A printmaking technique that uses acid to bite into the metal plate where a design has been drawn with a wax-resistant medium.

• The artist's etching of the old city captures so much detail.
• She creates beautiful etchings that reflect natural landscapes.

A printmaking technique where an image or design is carved into a wooden block, which is then inked and pressed onto paper.

• The woodcut of the landscape was beautiful and intricate.
• Woodcut prints were a popular form of art in ancient China.

A printing process based on the repulsion of oil and water. Typically used for high-volume printing of texts and images.

• Lithography was widely used in the 19th century for producing maps and books.
• They use lithography to produce their limited edition posters.

Printmaking refers to the process of creating artworks by printing, typically on paper, and is a form of artistic expression. It involves techniques like etching, lithography, and screen printing.

• She took a class on printmaking to learn how to create unique prints.
• The museum had an exhibition showcasing modern printmaking techniques.

Reproduction involves creating copies of artworks, products, or documents. It implies a high-quality copy, often in contexts like art, books, or articles.

• The artist authorized the reproduction of his famous painting.
• Reproduction of this text without permission is prohibited.

Duplication refers to making an exact copy of something, often used in contexts involving technology or data. It can suggest redundancy when used negatively.

• The IT department is responsible for data duplication to ensure backup.
• There was a problem with the system due to duplication of records.

Copying is the act of replicating something exactly, especially when referring to documents, files, or texts. It often implies a mechanical or straightforward reproduction without alteration.

• He spent the afternoon copying documents for the meeting.
• Copying someone else's work in an exam is considered cheating.