Different Kinds of Engraving.
“Line” engraving is of the highest order. All engravings are done in “line”—simply straight lines. Next comes “line” and “stiple.” “Stiple” means dots—small dots like this:—....—.... These small dots are used to lighten up the high parts of the face or drapery. It is very hard to engrave a face in lines, simply, and only master engravers have ever undertaken it. The masters understand and practice both in “line” and “stiple.” Claude Mellan engraved, in 1700, a full head of Christ, with one unbroken line. This line commenced at the apex of the nose, and wound out and out like a watch spring. Mezzotint engravings are produced thus:—The steel or copper is made rough like fine sand paper. To produce soft effects, this rough surface is scraped off. If you want a high place or “high light” in your engraving, scrape the surface smooth, then the ink will not touch it. If you want faint color, scrape off a little. Such engravings look like lithographs. Etching is adapted to homely and familiar-sketches. Etching is done thus:—The copper or steel plate is heated and covered with black varnish. The engraver scratches off this varnish with sharp needles, working on the surface as he would on paper with a pencil. Nitric acid is then passed over the plate, and it eats away at the steel and copper wherever the needle has scraped off the varnish. When the varnish is removed with spirits of turpentine, the engraving is seen in sunken lines on the plate.