Engraving: Its Origin, Processes, and History

A historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the rich history and technical evolution of engraving, exploring its various methods from relief to intaglio, and the developments across different regions, particularly focusing on European engravers. The beginning of this work introduces readers to the ancient roots of engraving, discussing its practices among historical civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. It details the evolution of engraving techniques over centuries, mentioning the methodologies of wood engraving and copperplate engraving while highlighting the transition to printmaking and interactions with the invention of movable type. Delaborde seeks to trace the development of engraving techniques, laying out the historical timeline that leads up to significant advancements in this art form, setting the stage for the more detailed exploration of the art of engraving in subsequent chapters.