Drypoint

drypoint, an intaglio printing process in which the lines are scratched directly into a metal plate with a needle; also, the print made from such a plate. Although it is often used in combination with etching, no acid is used for the drypoint. It differs from engraving in the type of tool employed and the consequent shallowness of the line. In drypoint the burr raised by the needle is usually left on the plate, producing a rich, velvety effect. It is characteristically a sketchy medium suitable for improvisation, but it can also be used to render fine detail. Unless the plate is steel faced, the burr deteriorates rapidly, allowing relatively few good prints to be pulled. Dürer, Rembrandt, Whistler, and Picasso are considered the greatest masters of the technique.

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Drypoint 

a method of intaglio engraving in which lines are scratched into metal with a pointed tool, or needle. The lines have a distinctive velvety texture owing to the burrs left behind by the needle; hence, works executed in drypoint somewhat resemble drawings. Drypoint is often used together with etching.

Drypoint has been known since the late 15th century; it became popular as a separate technique in the 19th century. A. Dürer, Rembrandt, F. Rops, and J. M. Whistler worked in drypoint. A number of Soviet artists have used the technique, including G. S. Vereiskii and D. I. Mitrokhin.