photogravure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “photogravure” mean?
A high-quality, tonal reproduction of a photograph printed from an etched copper plate, created through a photographic and intaglio printing process.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-quality, tonal reproduction of a photograph printed from an etched copper plate, created through a photographic and intaglio printing process.
The technique or process itself of producing such prints. More broadly, it can refer to any print made by this process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The process and term are international in art circles.
Connotations
Connotes historical craftsmanship, artistic quality, and archival permanence in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both, confined to specialised art, museum, and bibliophile contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “photogravure” in a Sentence
[artist] created a photogravure of [subject]a photogravure by [artist]printed using the photogravure processthe photogravure illustrates [book/page]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photogravure” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The photogravure portfolio was exhibited at the Royal Academy.
American English
- The collection included several photogravure plates from the 1880s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, photography, and printmaking studies to describe a specific historical/technical process.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The precise term for the process involving a gelatin tissue transfer, carbon pigment, and copper plate etching.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photogravure”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “photogravure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photogravure”
- Mispronouncing as 'photo-grav-yoor' (/ˈɡræv.jʊə/). The stress is on the last syllable: '...GRAV-yure'.
- Confusing it with lithography or simple photo reproduction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but rarely. It is used by fine art photographers and specialist printmakers who value its unique, archival qualities for limited edition artworks.
A photogravure is not a photograph on photographic paper. It is an ink-on-paper print made from an etched metal plate, giving it a tactile, textured quality and exceptional tonal depth that photographs lack.
Traditionally, it is a monochrome (black and white) process. Colour is possible through multiple plate registrations but is exceedingly complex and rare.
The etching process captures a vast range of tones from deep blacks to delicate highlights, and the ink sits on the paper with a slight relief, giving the image a unique, luminous presence.
A high-quality, tonal reproduction of a photograph printed from an etched copper plate, created through a photographic and intaglio printing process.
Photogravure is usually formal, technical in register.
Photogravure: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfəʊ.təʊ.ɡrəˈvjʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊ.ɡrəˈvjʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A PHOTOGRAPH is etched into a GROOVE (from French 'gravure' for engraving) on metal to create a lasting art piece.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHOTOGRAPHY IS SCULPTING WITH LIGHT (etching light into metal).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'photogravure' primarily used?