What material is commonly used for making an intaglio printing plate?

Intaglio printing involves incising a design onto a surface, and the traditional materials used for creating intaglio plates are copper and zinc. These metals are favored for their ability to hold fine detail and produce high-quality prints. Copper, in particular, is known for its durability and ability to create detailed images when etched or engraved, making it a classic choice for professional printmakers.

Zinc is also often used for intaglio techniques because it is softer and easier to work with than copper, allowing for detailed engraving without substantial effort. The depth of the incised lines or areas on these plates allows ink to collect properly, which is essential for the intaglio printing process.

In contrast, wood, plastic, and stone are not typically used for intaglio plates. Wood is more associated with relief printing techniques, where the raised surface carries the ink, while plastic might be used for modern printmaking methods, but it does not possess the same historical relevance or traditional application as copper and zinc in intaglio. Stone is primarily related to lithography, a different printing process altogether.