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Lesson 3 of 7
  • Year 11

Exploring intaglio: creating depth and detail in prints

I can create an intaglio print that shows depth and detail through the use of line, tone, and inking techniques.

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Lesson 3 of 7
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  • Year 11

Exploring intaglio: creating depth and detail in prints

I can create an intaglio print that shows depth and detail through the use of line, tone, and inking techniques.

Download all

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Intaglio creates depth by holding ink in recessed lines in a plate.
  2. Varying pressure and line quality impacts detail and tonal range.
  3. Inking and wiping methods change the clarity and richness of print impressions.
  4. Safe tool use with burins is essential when cutting plates.

Keywords

  • Intaglio - a printmaking process where lines are incised into a surface to hold ink

  • Plate - the surface (metal, card, or plastic) used to incise a design for printing

  • Burin - a sharp engraving tool used to cut lines into a plate

  • Impression - the final printed image transferred from plate to paper

Common misconception

The ink should be applied only to the raised surface of the plate.

In intaglio printing, the recessed lines hold the ink - the surface must be wiped clean so only incised marks transfer ink to paper.


To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Exploring intaglio: creating depth and detail in prints, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Demonstrate wiping slowly and exaggerate the difference between over-wiping and under-wiping so pupils clearly see how subtle changes affect the printed outcome.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Intaglio plates (plastic, card, or metal). Burins/etching needles. Printing press. Oil-based printing ink. Soft cloths, tarlatan, or tissue for wiping. Printing paper. Aprons, gloves.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.

Correct Answer:intaglio,a process where lines are incised into a surface to hold ink

a process where lines are incised into a surface to hold ink

Correct Answer:burin,a sharp engraving tool used to cut lines into a plate

a sharp engraving tool used to cut lines into a plate

Correct Answer:impression,the final printed image transferred from plate to paper

the final printed image transferred from plate to paper

Q2.
Which of the following best describes intaglio printing?

Ink sits on the raised surfaces of a block.
Correct answer: Ink sits in the carved recesses or incised lines of a plate.
Ink is painted directly onto paper.
Ink is sprayed through a stencil.

Q3.
An intaglio plate can be used multiple times if taken care of.

Correct Answer: True, Correct

Q4.
Why is it important to use line variation and tonal range when sketching a design for an intaglio plate?

to make wiping easier
Correct answer: to create visual interest, depth, and contrast in the final print
to ensure the plate doesn’t break
to make the plate easier to store

Q5.
Why must artists handle a burin carefully?

It breaks easily if dropped.
It is heavy and difficult to lift.
Correct answer: It is sharp and can cause injury if misused.
It must be kept warm to work properly.

Q6.
Select the factors that affect the quality of an intaglio impression.

Correct answer: depth of lines incised into the plate
Correct answer: inking and wiping methods
Correct answer: pressure of the printing press
the colour of the artist’s sketchbook