MARGIN
Unprinted
parts surrounding the design. Generally the two lateral
margins are of equal length; the upper and lower margins
may be equal but the latter is sometimes larger in order
to allow space for signature, numeration, title, etc.;
at one time it may also have contained a cartouche. A
larger lower margin may be kept simply to balance the
print within the sheet of paper. The size of the margins
also depends on the format of the paper. Margins were
usually clipped until the eighteenth century, and from
the beginning of the nineteenth their existence came to
be regarded as an important factor in assessing the
commercial value of a print. If clipped, the impression
would be worth less, particularly if printed on fine
quality paper. Restored margins are known as false
margins.
MARK
1. Particular sign
serving as the artist's signature on a print. 2. A
vignette, sometimes accompanied by a motto, that
publishers used to place either on the title page or at
the end of a book. 3. A stamp or collectors mark that
identifies a prior owner of a work, usually placed on
the back of the print or drawing.
MAT - MATTE
In the framing of works
of art on paper, the mat is a cardboard with a cutout
window placed over the work to keep it a distance away
from the glass or other glazing material.
MEZZOTINT
An intaglio printing
process. The work is done in two stages. A metal plate
is initially grained by working over it systematically
with a spiked tool known as the rocker; this creates a
multitude of fine dots all over its surface. If inked,
the plate would print a rich black. The second stage of
the process consists in smoothing away parts of the
roughned surface with the aid of a scraper and a
burnisher in order to create the white and highlighted
parts of the resulting print. The scraping of the plate
is a skillful job; delicate tonal transitions can be
obtained if it is done well, but the flat appearance of
some mezzotints is an indication of the difficulties
involved. This flatness is also caused by the fact that
mezzotint plates wear down very quickly. Color
mezzotints can be printed with several plates, one for
each color.
MIXOGRAPHY
(MIXOGRAPH)
Casting a copper printing
plate from a high-relief collage or maquette made up of
various materials. The plate used is made up of a thick,
resilent material that absorbs ink and creates a
frescolike quality.
MONOGRAM
A combination of letters,
usually initials of a proper name, or an abbreviated
signature. Many artists, and engravers in particular,
have signed their work with a monogram; those whose
names have remained unknown are called monogrammists.
MONTAGE
The production of a
composite image made from various elements as, for
example, in the combination of photographic positives or
negatives with drawn stencils in screenprinting.
MONOTYPE
(See printmaking
techniques)
A unique image printed from a polished plate,
glass, metal, or other material painted with ink.
MOULD
1. In manual papermaking,
the mould is a kind of tray, consisting of crossed wires
in a wooden frame, over which the paper pulp is spread.
2. A mould is made of a block or plate, in reverse to
the original, when making a replica of it (stereotype).
The mould used for casting type is known as a matrix.
MOULD,
MILDEW
A large group of small
fungi, the vegetative structures of which invade many
organic substances. Provided sufficient moisture is
present, these structures or hyphae produce enzymes that
dissolve or degrade the host material. This chemical
action may leave wastes that stain the hosts, such as
foxing marks on paper. On maturity, reproductive
structures will appear on the surface of the host as
visible and often colored, furry, or web-like clusters.
Until mature, mould or mildew may not be detectable
except by a characteristic musty odor. Because mould
requires moisture for growth, such activity may usually
be arrested by maintaining a dry environment, below
65-percent RH.
MOUNT
A protective backing of cardboard or thick paper
attached to a print or drawing.
MEZZOTINT
(See printmaking
techniques)
An intaglio method in which the surface of a
metal plate is uniformly incised, roughened, or textured
with a spurlike tool called a rocker.
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