Heliogravure (photogravure) (Gr. helio + gravure) - a type of intaglio printing technique, similar to aquatint, involving the photographic transfer of an image onto a metal plate (usually copper) and etching with photosensitive emulsion in such a way that the brightest areas create the shallowest recesses. Invented in 1879 by Karel Klíč.
Pigment paper is covered with a light-sensitive gelatin emulsion and a positive drawing is copied onto it using a strong light source, thus obtaining a gelatin relief. The pigment paper is then ironed onto a copper plate sprinkled with Syrian asphalt or rosin, transferring a thin layer of gelatin (relief) onto it. The plate made in the above photomechanical way is subjected to ferric chloride etching with asphalt powder playing the role of raster. A manual gravure press is used for printing.
Heliogravure, widespread in the 19th century, was later supplanted by rotogravure, since heliogravure is an expensive and very time-consuming method. Nowadays it is sometimes used in fine art printmaking when combining photographs of objects or figures with a composition of spots or lines. Plates obtained by heliogravure technique can be supplemented by other methods of intaglio printing techniques. Occasionally, this technique is also used in the reproduction of works of art, when it is necessary to create a small number of copies of very high quality.
All framed in a brown passe partout frame.
Dimensions: 210 x 335 mm (without frame), 350 x 450 mm (with passe partout).