M
maquette
A preliminary, scaled-down three-dimensional model for a sculpture.

matrix
See printing element.

mezzotint
An intaglio method in which the artist works from dark to light. The plate is systematically roughened with a spurlike tool called a rocker. If inked in this state, it will print a velvety black. Graduated highlights are then smoothed out by scraping and burnishing the plate. Mezzotint is often combined with other intaglio methods.

mold
The basic instrument of paper-making. Consisting of a frame of wood or other material covered with a cloth, polyester, or metal screen and wire, the mold is dipped into a vat containing a pulp and water mixture. It is then raised from the liquid. As water drains through the mold, a layer of fibers collects on the surface which, when dried, becomes paper.

molded relief
A type of relief sculpture in which a sheet of metal, such as lead, is embossed with an image. The artist first creates a wax or plaster model from which cast metal and epoxy forming molds are made. Soft-rolled sheet metal is then formed in these molds to create the image.

monoprint
A print that has been altered by coloring the paper before printing or by varying each impression during or after printing. A monoprint derives all or part of its image from printing elements and may include collage elements and/or hand-coloring.

monotype
A unique image printed from a plate, glass, metal, or other material on which an image is painted or drawn. A monotype impression is one of a kind. However, a second, lighter impression, called a ghost, can be made from the painted or drawn printing element.

Mylar
A trade name for sheet polyester. Mylar may be used by artists in a number of ways: it can be drawn on or serve as a printing element. Alternatively photo stencils may be cut out of it or it may also be used in place of paper as a substrate for a drawing or painting.

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N
NC
National Council on the Arts impression. This proof equals the right to print impression or standard used for the edition and is pulled for The National Council on the Arts, a federal agency.

NGA
National Gallery of Art impression. A proof specifically designated to become part of the Gemini G.E.L. archive at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. This type of proof equals the right to print impression or standard used for the edition.

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O
offset lithography
A modern development of lithography in which the image is lifted from the stone or plate by a rubber roller which then reprints it onto paper. An advantage of this double printing procedure is that it re-reverses the image, which is then printed in its original direction.

OK JJ
OK Jasper Johns. Jasper Johns signed a number of his works as "OK JJ." These works are equivalent to the right to print impression or standard used for the edition, a first impression achieved in the proofing period that meets the aesthetic and technical approval of the artist and Gemini. It is used as a guide for the production of the edition.

OKP
Ok to print. Richard Diebenkorn signed a number of his works as "okp" or "ok to print." These works are equivalent to the right to print impression or standard used for the edition, a first impression achieved in the proofing period that meets the aesthetic and technical approval of the artist and Gemini. It is used as a guide for the production of the edition.

OP
Other proofs. This term designates proofs that do not fit within the standard definitions described in this glossary. Any specifics recorded about the impression are in the Remarks field of the catalogue entry.

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