MEZZOTINT

Mezzotint

Mezzotint is a printmaking process of the intaglio family, technically a drypoint method. It was the first tonal method to be used, enabling half-tones to be produced without using line- or dot-based techniques like hatching, cross-hatching or stipple. Mezzotint achieves tonality by roughening the plate with thousands of little dots made by a metal tool with small teeth, called a "rocker." In printing, the tiny pits in the plate hold the ink when the face of the plate is wiped clean. A high level of quality and richness in the print can be achieved.

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mezzotint

Noun

  1. a form of intaglio etching in which a metal plate is roughened evenly and then smoothed to bring out an image
  2. an etching or print made using this method

Verb

  1. to make such etchings


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: mezzotint
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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