intaglio

in·ta·glio

noun \in-ˈtal-(ˌ)yō, -ˈtäl-; -ˈta-glē-ˌō, -ˈtä-\

plural in·ta·glios

Definition of INTAGLIO

1

a : an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material depressed below the surface so that an impression from the design yields an image in relief

b : the art or process of executing intaglios

c : printing (as in die stamping and gravure) done from a plate in which the image is sunk below the surface

2

: something (as a gem) carved in intaglio

Illustration of INTAGLIO

Origin of INTAGLIO

Italian, from intagliare to engrave, cut, from Medieval Latin intaliare, from Latin in- + Late Latin taliare to cut — more at tailor

First Known Use: 1644

intaglio

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Engraved or incised work on gemstones, glass, ceramics, stone, or similar material in which the design is sunk beneath the surface, the opposite of cameo and relief. It is the most ancient form of gem engraving; the earliest known Babylonian cylinder seals date from c. 4000 BC. The term intaglio is also used to describe printmaking processes in which the design is cut, scratched, or etched into a printing surface of copper, zinc, or aluminum; ink is then rubbed into the incisions or grooves, the surface is wiped clean, and the paper is embossed into the incised lines with pressure from a roller press. Intaglio processes are the most versatile of printmaking methods, as they can produce a wide range of effects.