Engraving

The term engraving refers to all the artistic techniques that use incision or digging to produce an image or text. The principle consists in incising or digging with the aid of a tool or biting a matrix. After inking, it is printed on paper or on another support. The final work thus obtained is called a print

By abuse of language, "engraving", "print" and "print" are often confused.

The first technique identified is woodcut, which appeared in China in the 7th century. Parallel to the invention of printing in Europe, these techniques will experience a considerable development from the Renaissance.