Technique
Aquatint
An intaglio technique in which acid creates grainy tonal areas on the printing plate, often used together with line etching.
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Understanding the term
The plate is typically covered with fine resin dust that is fused to its surface. Acid bites around each grain to create tone; by stopping out and biting repeatedly, the artist can build shades from light grey to near black.
When Aquatint 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
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