DRYPOINT

Drypoint is a variety of the intaglio print. The image is incised into a metal plate with a hard-pointed needle. Zinc plates were often used. The burrs at the edge of the incised lines were not removed like in engraving, producing a denser, smoother line.

Drypoint often was combined with etching. In that case, the artist, after touching the plate with the acid, would retouch the lines of etching mechanically, without removing the burrs. The drypoint was especially popular in the 17th century.