A printing plate is a surface used for intaglio printmaking techniques. Although plates are traditionally made of copper, other types of metal that are used include silver, zinc, steel, aluminum, and magnesium. The term ‘plate’ is also often used to refer to images illustrating books, but these are more properly called prints rather than plates.
During the printing process, the inked plate is passed through a press with a dampened piece of paper, upon which the image is transferred. The pressure of the printing press leaves an impression along the outer edge which is known as the platemark. The dimensions of the platemark are often recorded in museum catalogues to indicate the size of the full plate, which is usually larger than the border of the image.
Written by Simone Edgar Holmes
Bibliography
Griffiths, Antony. The Print before Photography: An Introduction to European Printmaking, 1550-1820. London: The British Museum, 2018.
“Platemark.” Grove Art Online. 2003. https://www.oxfordartonline.com/groveart/view/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.001.0001/oao-9781884446054-e-7000068091.
Twyman, Michael. “Printing.” Grove Art Online. 2003. https://www.oxfordartonline.com/groveart/view/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.001.0001/oao-9781884446054-e-7000069616.
