Which term refers to the metal surface engraved with dots for stipple engraving?

Which term refers to the metal surface engraved with dots for stipple engraving?

• A. Baroque
• B. Relief printing
• C. Matrix
• D. Dome

Answer: (C)

In stipple engraving, shading is built up by carving a field of tiny dots into a metal plate. The term for that engraved metal surface is the matrix—the form from which prints are made and into which ink sits in the grooves to transfer to paper. The matrix is the working surface that contains the image to be reproduced, so it’s the precise name for the engraved plate used in this technique. The other terms don’t fit: Baroque refers to a decorative style, Relief printing uses a raised surface rather than an incised one, and Dome is unrelated to printmaking terminology.

In stipple engraving, shading is built up by carving a field of tiny dots into a metal plate. The term for that engraved metal surface is the matrix—the form from which prints are made and into which ink sits in the grooves to transfer to paper. The matrix is the working surface that contains the image to be reproduced, so it’s the precise name for the engraved plate used in this technique. The other terms don’t fit: Baroque refers to a decorative style, Relief printing uses a raised surface rather than an incised one, and Dome is unrelated to printmaking terminology.