Etching
| Dry Point
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 "Jean Vandyrendonck" |
Dry point etching is the most direct method of etching: the copper or alternatively zinc plate is etched directly using a sharp steel point, mounted in a wooden holder and held in the same way as a pencil. The depth and the characteristics of the drawing depend directly on the pressure exerted on the dry point and the extent to which the point has been sharpened. The grooves are bordered by a thin metal strip (the beard) which retains the ink around the drawing and gives the print a softness and irregularity. This beard fades gradually after a few prints.
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