Overview:
This text is a guide to photogravure, a printing process used to create intaglio plates from photographs. The process was first invented in 1820 by Nicéphore Niepce, who used bitumen to create an image on a stone. Since then, photogravure has evolved, with key developments by Walter B. Woodbury in 1870, and Klic in 1886. This guide outlines the process as it is practiced today, focusing on the steps involved in creating a photogravure print. It goes through the creation of the negative and the transparency, the cleaning and graining of the copper plate, the development of the negative resist on the copper plate, biting the plate with acid, and the final cleaning and polishing steps. The text also covers printing from the plate, steel facing to increase the plate’s lifespan, and provides a list of materials and suppliers needed for the process.
Key findings:
- Photogravure is a complex process requiring meticulous attention to detail.
- The quality of the negative is crucial for a successful photogravure print.
- The process involves several steps, including sensitizing, exposing, developing, biting, and polishing.
- The process has evolved over time with key improvements in materials and techniques.
Learning:
- Understanding the basics of photogravure: The text provides a detailed breakdown of the process, from creating the negative and transparency to etching the copper plate.
- The importance of careful preparation: The success of photogravure hinges on meticulous attention to detail throughout the process, from cleaning the copper plate to the precise timing of the acid baths.
- Understanding the role of different materials: The text explores the various materials used in photogravure, including their properties and why they are essential to the process.
Historical context:
The text traces the historical development of photogravure, highlighting key developments from Niepce’s initial discovery to the improvements made by Woodbury and Klic. This historical context provides a deeper understanding of how photogravure has evolved into the process we know today.
Facts:
- Bitumen was used to create images on stone in the early 19th century: This was a precursor to the development of photogravure.
- Walter B. Woodbury developed a photogravure process in 1870: This process involved transferring a grained relief to metal, creating a mezzotint-like plate.
- Klic’s process, introduced in 1886, was a significant improvement in photogravure: It made the process more efficient and accessible.
- The negative should be reversed for photogravure: This is essential for creating a print that is similar to the original subject in terms of right and left.
- Soft and brilliant negatives are best for photogravure: Hard or under-exposed negatives produce less satisfactory results.
- Carbon tissue is used as a resist on the copper plate: This tissue is sensitized and exposed to create a negative image that protects certain areas of the copper from the acid bath.
- Syrian asphaltum or resin is used to grain the copper plate: This creates the textured surface necessary for the photogravure print to hold ink.
- Perchloride of iron is the acid generally used for biting the plate: This acid etches the copper plate in areas not protected by the resist, creating the intaglio image.
- The acid baths are used in a specific sequence: The strongest bath is used first, and the weakest bath is used last. This ensures that the etching occurs gradually and evenly across the plate.
- The copper plate must be polished after etching: This process removes any residue from the acid bath and reveals the final image.
- Steel facing increases the lifespan of a photogravure plate: This process involves depositing a thin layer of steel on the plate, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
- Photogravure prints are best made on high-quality paper: Imperial Japan, etching paper, and India paper are preferred for their texture and ability to hold ink.
- The quality of the photogravure print is affected by the choice of ink: Different colored inks create distinct effects on the final print.
- The printing process for photogravure plates is similar to etching: The ink is applied to the plate, and the excess is wiped away before the paper is pressed onto the plate.
- A D press can be used to print photogravure plates: This type of press provides consistent pressure for high-quality prints.
Statistics:
- A 9 × 11, 1/16 grade copper plate costs approximately $1.10: This cost is for a plate purchased in the rough and then polished.
- A photogravure plate without steel facing can last for about 75 impressions: This means that for large editions, steel facing is essential.
- Steel facing costs approximately 50 cents for a 4 × 6 plate: This is a relatively affordable process that significantly extends the life of a plate.
- A single proof on Imperial Japan paper costs 25 cents for a 4 × 6 plate: This is a relatively affordable way to test the quality of the plate before printing a full edition.
- Etching paper costs approximately $5.00 per 100: This is a more expensive paper, but it is often preferred for its ability to hold ink and show the detail of the photogravure print.
Terms:
- Intaglio: A printing method where the image is etched or engraved into the surface of the plate.
- Bitumen: A natural substance that is sensitive to light and was used in early photogravure processes.
- Aquatint: A printing process that creates a textured surface on a plate using a granular resist.
- Resist: A substance that protects certain areas of a plate from etching or other processes.
- Mordant: A chemical solution used to etch metal plates.
- Steel facing: A process that deposits a thin layer of steel onto a plate, increasing its durability.
- Etching paper: A high-quality paper that is designed to hold ink and show the detail of an intaglio print.
Examples:
- The “Court of Honor” photogravure: A magnificent photogravure of the World’s Fair, printed on paper measuring 24 × 32 inches.
- “No Doubt” and “In Doubt” photogravures: Companion pieces representing a monk with a winning hand of cards and a monk with a losing hand, respectively.
- “Landscape With Sheep” photogravure: A landscape photogravure that evokes the style of Verbeck Hoven’s paintings.
- “A Storm at Brighton” photogravure: A prize-winning photogravure that captures the motion of water and clouds.
- “Flirtation” photogravure: A popular photogravure that was featured in the “American Annual of Photography” for 1892.
- The “Twelve Photographic Studies” collection: A collection of photogravures featuring the work of leading photographic artists.
- The “Artistic Landscapes” collection: A collection of photogravures representing the four seasons, made from photographs taken by Mr. W. I. Lincoln Adams.
Conclusion:
This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the photogravure process, outlining the materials, techniques, and history of this fascinating printing method. Whether you are a photographer, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the history of printing, this text offers valuable insights into the process that creates such detailed and beautiful prints.