Intaglio definition

Intaglio is a printing process that involves making an image through the use of a metal plate being scratched on its surface or being bitten with acid.  Once the plate is inked, it is worked into the regions or bitten lines – filling them up.  This in turn makes the image be in reverse when it is applied to paper as it rolls through the press.  Intaglio includes a variety of processes such as photo etching, aquatint, dry-point, engraving and mezzotint.