drypoint

American  

[drahy-point] / ˈdraɪˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. a technique of engraving, especially on copper, in which a sharp-pointed needle is used for producing furrows having a burr that is often retained in order to produce a print characterized by soft, velvety black lines.

2. a print made by this technique.

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Etymology

Origin of drypoint

First recorded in 1825–35; dry + point

Example Sentences

Verdon Winkler employs multiple techniques, notably drypoint and chine collé, to produce gauzier, almost painterly images in what might be called a rainbow of grays.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2021

They include four oil paintings with a starting bid of $7,500 each, three lithographs with a starting bid at $250, one drypoint, one watercolor and one student oil.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2017

Freepoint is an alternate form of drypoint in which artists draw on a soft surface.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2016

Goya combined different methods — etching, aquatint, drypoint — to create these extraordinary images.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 14, 2016

When the finished print is compared with the sketch of the etched lines alone, it can be seen how vital the drypoint is to Rembrandt's whole conception.

From Rembrandt's Etching Technique: An Example by Morse, Peter