Definitions and terms used in the fine arts print field have been varied. The older, even sometimes archaic, meanings are not necessarily the same today. There are terms that are quite colloquial to a locality. Then we have the user's interpretation whether artist, publisher, gallery, curator, museum, collector or consumer. We hope this glossary is of some assistance.
 
Glossary of print terms (continued)
 
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Rag Paper
A term used to describe papers actually made from cotton linters.
Reflection Copy
The original art from which the color separaton sets are made for reproduction.
Relief
The term used to describe a raised surface cut away by acid or tools. The non-printing areas are removed and the riased surface forms the image.
Remarque
 A small original drawing usually done in the border area of the print.
Reproduction
 The duplication of a work of art in another medium. For example, a lithograph of an original painting.
Restrike
 The term used to describe the reprinting of an edition (generally of etchings, engravings, etc.) from original or reworked plates, usually after the death of the artist.
Rococo
 Stylized decoration characterized primarily by elaborate and profuse ornamentation imitating foliage, shellwork, scrolls, etc.
Rocker
 The instrument used to prepare a mezzotint plate.
Rotogravure
 An intaglio process using cylindrical plates which produces smooth, clear reproductions.
School
 In art, a term applied to that group of individuals who exhibit similarities in style, such as the impressionists, as well as more generally applied to a national or geographic group, such as American, French, etc.
Screen

The dot pattern used on offset lithography plates.

Screen Angles
Varying sequence of angles to allow the dot pattern of each color to print with the other colors without causing distortion or moire.
SCULP. SC, Sculpsit
"Has Engraved It" (Latin).
Sculpture
 The art of carving wood, chiseling stone, casting and weildign metal, modeling clay or wax into three dimensional representations, as statues and figures, or any work of sculpture or such works collectively.
Secondary Market

The term used to descrive the resale of a print after an edition has been sold out by the publisher and is no longer widely available.

Separation
 See Color Separation.
Serigraph
 This is popularly used and meant to be done by, and / or under the supervision of the artist from design to finished edition. See Silkscreen .
Sheet Size
Size of the paper.
Signature
 Artist's original signature (unless in the plate).
Signed
 The artist's personally made signature for each print.
Signed in the Plate
 The artist's signature which has been made in the printing plate and printed along with the image. This is not to be confused with an original signature.
Signed and Numbered
 The artist's signature appears on the print as well as the number, usually in the form of print number / number of prints in the edition, although other designations (such as Roman numerals) may be used.
Silkscreen
 A method of printing using a hand-cut or photographically-prepared stencil adhered to stretched silk or polyester fabric through which ink is forced.
Silver Print
A photograph produced by a process using paper treated with silver halides (salt).
Sketches
 Quick renderings in pencil, ink, paint, etc. to capture and idea or image momentarily.
Softground
 In etching, a technique which produces heavily-etched lines.
Sold Out
The term used to describe a print or edition no longer available from the publisher.
Split Edition
An edition in which some prints are signed and numbered and the remainder signed only, or where the prints are both signed an unsigned.
State
 The term used to describe one of several stages of alterations or phases in printing; also a print from a plate still in process of completion.
State Proof (ETAT)
Artist's reworking of plates for another proof.
Stencil
 A sheet which is perforated or cut so that when ink, paint, etc. is applied, a design forms in the open areas and prints beneath the sheet's surface; also, the pattern, design, et. made by this method.
Stipple Engraving
An intaglio process in which tonal value is produced using minute dots made in the surface of the plate.
Stone
 In the graphic arts, refers to a lithography stone used as a printing element. There are many varieties of stone, such as Bavarian Limestone, etc.
Stone Lithograph
A print produced from an image created by the artist on stone.
Stone Rubbing
See Brass Rubbing.
Stripping
 The assembly of the basic components (film, type, etc.) used to produce a printing plate.
Study
 A careful detailing of a subject image, used primarily as an instructive excercise for the artist.  (See Sketch)
Suite
 A group of prints, usually related in theme or subject matter.
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Navigation 2023

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