|
Introduction Engraving is the act
or art of producing figures and designs on metals and other
substances by incision or corrosion. Work that is done by
incision is distinguished as dry-point; that engraved by
corrosion is particularized by the name of the special process
by which it is affected, as etching, mezzotint, etc.
Dry-point is engraved with gravers and similar small tools, which are made to cut by the force of the muscles of the hand; for large work small chisels, struck with a hammer, are employed also. Various acids, usually compounded, are used in the different corroding processes. The practice of engraving is comparatively clean and inexpensive, and its elementary principles are easily learned. Ordinarily diligent pupils can make such progress as to give them encouragement to greater efforts, and by assiduous practice can become expert engravers capable of earning their living by the practice of the art. Engraving is a very
ancient art. Engraving on stone and on signets is mentioned in
the early part of the Old Testament. In Exodus, Moses is
directed to take two onyx stones and grave on them the names of
the children of Israel. “With the work of The Egyptian
hieroglyphics on monoliths and on the walls of the tombs are
engraved. The tools, weapons, and ornaments of the ancient
Egyptians were often elaborately engraved. Chasing, carving, and
sculpture, which are allied arts, flourished amongst these
people. When the Israelites went out of Egypt amongst them were
The Greeks learned the
art of engraving and chasing in metals; it was much practiced
and had considerably advanced in the time of Homer. Many
specimens of Grecian engraving show the excellence to which the
art had attained. The Etruscans,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
