Illustration of intaglio
- intaglio 1a
intaglio
noun
in·ta·glio
in-ˈtal-(ˌ)yō 
-ˈtäl-
-ˈtäl-
-ˈta-glē-ˌō,
-ˈtä-
plural intaglios
1
a
: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material depressed below the surface so that an impression from the design yields an image in relief
b
: the art or process of executing intaglios
c
: printing (as in die stamping and gravure) done from a plate in which the image is sunk below the surface
2
: something (such as a gem) carved in intaglio
Did you know?
Engraved or incised work where the design is sunk into the surface is called intaglio, and is the opposite of cameo, where the design is in relief. Intaglio designs are made on gemstones, glass, ceramics, stone, or similar material. It is the most ancient form of gem engraving: the earliest known Babylonian cylinder seals date from c. 4000 bce. The term intaglio is also used to describe printmaking processes in which the design is cut, scratched, or etched into a printmaking surface of copper, zinc, or aluminum; ink is then rubbed into the incisions or grooves, the surface wiped clean, and the paper is embossed into the incised lines with pressure from a roller press. Intaglio processes are the most versatile of printmaking methods, as they can produce a wide range of effects.
Examples of intaglio in a Sentence
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The book is structured around ten thematic chapters, beginning with ancient cameos and intaglios to naturalist pieces from the nineteenth century.
—
Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024
Left to right: an intaglio of Bacchus; an intaglio of Minerva; an intaglio of a Roman youth.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
In the background are wooden cabinets in which Townley presumably housed smaller treasures, including countless cameos and intaglios.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
Called For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition, the show featured 100 pieces ranging in price from $3,000 to $300,000, including an antique diamond brooch from the Venetian period, an 18-karat-gold and black-enamel necklace by Cartier, and a David Yurman gold intaglio signet ring.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2023
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Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024
Left to right: an intaglio of Bacchus; an intaglio of Minerva; an intaglio of a Roman youth.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
In the background are wooden cabinets in which Townley presumably housed smaller treasures, including countless cameos and intaglios.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
Called For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition, the show featured 100 pieces ranging in price from $3,000 to $300,000, including an antique diamond brooch from the Venetian period, an 18-karat-gold and black-enamel necklace by Cartier, and a David Yurman gold intaglio signet ring.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for intaglio
Dictionary Entries Near intaglio
Cite this Entry
“Intaglio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intaglio. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intaglio
noun
in·ta·glio
in-ˈtal-yō
-ˈtag-lē-ˌō
-ˈtag-lē-ˌō
plural intaglios
: an engraving cut deeply into the surface of a hard material (as stone)
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