D
DC
Dedication copy. See SC/special copy.

debossing
An inverted form of embossing in which a relief plate is placed under the sheet of paper as it is run through a press, thus lowering rather than raising that area of the paper.

deckle
The untrimmed, naturally irregular edge of handmade paper.

die-cut
A perforated block or cutter through which material such as plastic, clay, metal, or paper is forced to assume a desired shape.

DP
Dedication proof. See SP/special proof.

drypoint
An intaglio technique in which the line is scratched directly into the copper plate with a sharp metal point, traditionally a dry point needle. As the needle scores the copper, it creates a ridge of metal known as the burr on both sides of the line, thus holding the ink and printing as a rich velvety line.

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E
EB
Elements in black. A series of proofs intended to illustrate the image development of the finished print. Each printing element is shown singly in black, regardless of their color in the edition.

EC
Elements in color. A series of proofs intended to illustrate the image development of the finished print. Each printing element is shown singly in color.

edition
This is the body of prints or sculpture essentially identical to the right to print impression or standard used for the edition or prototype. Two numbers are used in the signing procedure: the upper number follows a consecutive sequence beginning with 1 through the total in the edition (example: 3/25); the lower number indicates the total number of pieces in the edition.

EE
Etching elements. A proof intended to illustrate the image development of the finished print. The etching element is shown singly.

element
See printing element.

embossing
An inkless process that can use multiple techniques--e.g. etching, stamping, carving, or casting--to create the matrix. The paper is subsequently forced into the matrix, often using a press, in order to create three-dimensional effects.

engraving
An intaglio technique in which a metal plate is manually incised with a burin, an engraving tool with a V-shaped metal shaft. Depending on the angle and degree of pressure with which they were scooped out of the metal (usually copper) plate, the incised lines may vary in width and darkness when printed. The result is a very steady and considered line, with crisp edges where the burin has cut through the metal.

ES
Screen element. A proof intended to illustrate the image development of the finished print. The screenprint element is shown singly.

etching
An intaglio technique whereby marks are bitten into the metal plate by chemical action. The plate is coated with a ground (either hard or softground) impervious to acid through which the artist draws to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath until the open lines of areas are sufficiently bitten. Finally, the ground is removed and the plate inked and printed. Etching is commonly used in combination with drypoint, aquatint, and other intaglio processes.

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F
FC
Foundry copy. A proof meeting the right to print impression or standard used for the edition sculpture that is made for the foundry that produces or contributes to its production.

fired
In ceramics, this is the process by which a clay object is put into a kiln and heated to the point where it becomes a hard solid.

found objects
Any found or altered object employed in a work of art.

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