The mastery of coloured stipple engraving by Francesco Bartolozz

​Stipple engraving is a style of print making that was first used by artists in the 15th century, in the production of fine works that we now term Old Master Prints.The technique most commonly involves the artist scoring their design into a copper print plate by means of a pattern of dots which, when applied to the final print, can convey the effect of shade, tone, or definition.
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​Above: The King Psammetichus of Egypt in Love with Rhodope & The Beautiful Rhodope in Love with Aesop from paintings of the same size by Signora Angelica Kauffman in the Possession of Charles Boddam Jun Esq. Published as the Act Directs 5th Jan 1783 by E. M. Diemar No 377 Strand, London. Bartolozzi was born in Florence but migrated to England, and in 1768 was elected as a founding member of the Royal Academy in London (the RA did not admit engravers at this time but made an exception in his case, getting around the rules by electing Bartolozzi as a painter). He was already hailed as the best engraver in Italy when he met George III's librarian Richard Dalton in 1763. Dalton enticed Bartolozzi to London with a promise of an appointment as engraver to the king. In England he became the most celebrated exponent of the 'stipple' technique whereby he produced prints using dots rather than lines . . . More info: Bartolozzi Prints