Intaglio vs. Gravure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Intaglio is a broad artistic technique involving incised designs, while gravure specifically refers to a high-quality printing process using etched plates.
Difference Between Intaglio and Gravure
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Intaglio encompasses various artistic methods where designs are incised into a surface, and ink is applied into these recesses for printing. Whereas, gravure is a specialized intaglio printing technique used primarily for high-volume commercial printing, such as magazines and packaging.
In intaglio, the artist manually etches or engraves the image onto a metal plate, offering unique control over lines and textures. On the other hand, gravure involves mechanically etching the image onto a copper plate, which is typically automated and suited for consistent, large-scale production.
Intaglio prints are often characterized by their rich, deep lines and the ability to produce highly detailed images. Conversely, gravure allows for extremely fine detail and consistent quality, making it ideal for reproducing photographic images and intricate designs.
While intaglio printing is more commonly used in fine art and small editions due to its labor-intensive nature, gravure printing is favored in industrial applications for its efficiency in long print runs.
Intaglio techniques can vary widely from one artist to another, reflecting personal style and experimentation. In contrast, gravure maintains a high level of standardization, necessary to support its role in the commercial printing industry.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Artistic technique involving incised designs.
Printing technique using etched plates for high-volume output.
Primary Use
Fine art and limited editions.
Commercial, high-volume printing.
Technique
Manual etching or engraving.
Mechanical etching, often automated.
Detail and Texture
Rich lines, varying textures.
Extremely fine detail, consistent quality.
Production Scale
Suitable for small runs.
Efficient for long print runs.
Compare with Definitions
Intaglio
Techniques including etching, engraving, drypoint, and mezzotint.
She experimented with different intaglio techniques in her latest series.
Gravure
Commonly used for magazines, postage stamps, and packaging.
Most high-circulation magazines are printed using gravure technology.
Intaglio
A printmaking technique where the image is incised into a surface.
The artist spent hours on the intaglio, carefully carving each line.
Gravure
Involves direct contact between paper and an etched copper plate.
The gravure process ensures that each print is an exact replica of the original.
Intaglio
The art of engraving or etching on a hard surface for printing.
His expertise in intaglio was evident in the detailed prints.
Gravure
Known for its precision and ability to print fine detail.
Gravure is preferred for printing detailed photographic reproductions.
Intaglio
Any print produced by an intaglio method.
The gallery displayed several intaglios from various artists.
Gravure
A high-quality printing process used for high-volume needs.
Gravure printing is often chosen for its ability to produce sharp images.
Intaglio
A method where the ink sits below the surface of the matrix.
Intaglio requires a special type of press to transfer ink onto paper.
Gravure
Uses a rotary printing press for continuous printing.
The rotary presses used in gravure can produce thousands of prints per hour.
Intaglio
A design incised or engraved into a material
The dies bore a design in intaglio
An intaglio design
Gravure
Short for photogravure
Intaglio
Engrave or represent by an engraving
A carved box with little intaglioed pineapples on it
Gravure
A method of printing with etched plates or cylinders; intaglio printing.
Intaglio
A figure or design carved into or beneath the surface of hard metal or stone.
Gravure
Photogravure.
Intaglio
The art or process of carving a design in this manner.
Gravure
A plate used in the process of gravure.
Intaglio
A gemstone carved in intaglio.
Gravure
A reproduction produced by gravure.
Intaglio
Printing done with a plate bearing an image in intaglio.
Gravure
A type of intaglio printing process, in which an image is engraved onto a rotating copper cylinder.
Intaglio
A die incised so as to produce a design in relief.
Gravure
(Japan) A style of Japanese softcore; glamour photography.
Intaglio
A design or piece of art which is engraved or etched into something.
Gravure
A printing process that uses an etched or engraved plate; the plate is smeared with ink and wiped clean, then the ink left in the recesses makes the print
Intaglio
(printing) Any printing method in which the ink is laid upon the sunken parts of the printing form.
Relief printing
Gravure
A printing plate used in the process of gravure
Intaglio
To engrave or etch using intaglio.
Gravure
An intaglio print produced by gravure
Intaglio
A cutting or engraving; a figure cut into something, as a gem, so as to make a design depressed below the surface of the material; hence, anything so carved or impressed, as a gem, matrix, etc.; - opposed to cameo. Also used adjectively.
Gravure
Intaglio printing
Intaglio
A printing process that uses an etched or engraved plate; the plate is smeared with ink and wiped clean, then the ink left in the recesses makes the print
Intaglio
Glyptic art consisting of a sunken or depressed engraving or carving on a stone or gem (as opposed to cameo)
Common Curiosities
What is the cost comparison between intaglio and gravure?
Intaglio is generally more costly per print due to its manual process, while gravure is cost-effective in high volumes.
Is gravure environmentally friendly?
Gravure printing can be less environmentally friendly due to its use of solvents and inks.
Can intaglio produce color prints?
Yes, intaglio can produce color prints by using different colored inks.
What kind of paper is best for intaglio prints?
High-quality, thick paper is preferred for intaglio to absorb the ink properly.
How detailed can a gravure print be?
Gravure can produce extremely detailed and precise prints.
Can gravure handle different types of media?
Yes, gravure can print on a variety of substrates, including paper, cardboard, and plastic.
What is intaglio used for?
Intaglio is primarily used for fine art prints and small editions.
How does gravure differ from other printing methods?
Gravure is known for its high quality and efficiency in printing large volumes.
What materials are used in intaglio printing?
Materials include copper, zinc, or steel plates, and various inks.
How many colors can gravure print at once?
Gravure can print multiple colors in a single pass using different color stations.
What are the limitations of gravure printing?
High setup costs and less flexibility for short print runs.
What makes intaglio unique among printmaking techniques?
Its ability to produce tactile, textured prints with varied ink depth.
Is training required to produce intaglio prints?
Yes, it requires significant skill and training to master intaglio techniques.
How long does it take to make an intaglio print?
It can take several hours to several days, depending on the complexity.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Backsight vs. Foresight
Next Comparison
Snare vs. TrapAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
