Lasting Impressions: Copper Engraved Plates
Engraving is one of the oldest and most historically significant methods of illustrating a book, and refers to the impression of a pattern, design, text or image into a hard surface. The impressed surface becomes known as a printing plate, and can be used repeatedly to create multiple prints as required, with varying degrees of durability success, depending on the hardness of the material used. Until the early 19th century, one of the materials most often used for engraving was copper.
We’ve compiled a selection of some of the beautiful copper engravings available on the site, as well as more information about the process of engraving. Enjoy.
Categories: antiquarian, art, collecting, design