Technique
Linocut
A relief print made by cutting an image into linoleum; the areas left raised are inked and printed onto paper.
- Category
- Technique
- Index letter
- L
Understanding the term
Linoleum is more uniform and grain-free than wood, allowing both fluid lines and clean shapes. In a multi-colour reduction print, more is cut away between each colour, so the block cannot later produce another identical edition.
When Linocut is given as a technique, it describes the process that created the work's impression, structure or surface. Technique and subject are distinct: very different images can be made using the same method.
The process can often be read in edges, lines, layers and surface. It can also explain natural variation between examples and offer useful evidence about workflow, edition and appropriate care.
Related entries
Continue through the glossary with terms from the same field.