ACQUATINTA. — An etching technique that, used alone or in combination with etching (v.) or drypoint (v.), produces various half-tone gradations closely resembling those of watercolor (v.) and pencil or charcoal drawings, by uniformly biting into the desired areas of the copper plate with the action of sulfur powder. Good grain is now commonly obtained by blowing fine resin powder onto the plate before immersion in acid; but some practitioners coat the plate with varnish, sprinkle it with fine salt, and then wash it so that the varnish remains perforated with tiny holes. The steel-facing of the etched plate ensures longer durability but sacrifices its softness.
This technique, much cultivated in Ireland and England during the 18th century, lends itself well to the reproduction of paintings, as it can render all their subtle nuances. It has found infrequent application in the field of sacred art.