Delineavit.—Literally, He drew it (Latin). After artist's name in
print, showing it to have been a drawing and not a painting from
which the engraver worked.
Dry Point.—The sharp needle employed in etching, when used on the bare copper, executes "dry point" work. Etchings are frequently finished by dry point.
Engraver's Proofs.—These are trial or working proofs taken from time to time by the artist to assist him in determining the progress of his work.
Etching.—Fully described in Chapter II.
Etching Needle.—The tool used in tracing lines upon a copper plate through the "ground" laid in etching.
Execudit.—Literally, He did it (Latin). Usually follows engraver's name on print, and is used sometimes in place of Sculpsit.
Fecit.—Literally, He did it (Latin). Used instead of pinxit, and usually follows artist's name on print.
Foxed.—This is a term applied to prints with spotted stains upon them caused by the iron in the paper being affected by damp.
Graver.—The engraver's tool, called also the Burin, made of hard steel and having an edge with which the metal is ploughed up, or the wood block cut.
Ground.—The preliminary stages in preparing a plate in etching, mezzotint, or aquatint, are termed "laying the ground," after which the design is worked upon it.
India Paper.—Early proof impressions are often printed on India paper, which gives finer results than ordinary paper.
India Proof.—This term is applied to early impressions printed on India paper.
Japan Paper.—Proof impressions are often printed on this especially fine paper of delicate texture, in place of India paper.
Laid Down.—Prints which are "laid down" or pasted upon paper are, as a rule, avoided by collectors, as in the process of doing this they are usually injured.
Lettered Proofs.—These impressions are printed next after Proofs before Letters. They bear the title of the subject, as well as name of artist and engraver, and also that of the publisher.
