requiring less effort and technical skill in the use of the engraver's burin, but meaning that fewer impressions (copies) of a print can be pulled before wear to the plate becomes apparent. Modern limited editions of drypoint prints (if not steelfaced) very often have fewer than thirty impressions.

The technique can be used on a plate in conjunction with other intaglio techniques, and has very often been so used, especially with etching and engraving.

The term is also used for inkless scratched inscriptions, such as glosses in

1.Previous
3.Next