The Intaglio Printers

Abraham Bosse

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an old printing press in action. It shows a detailed interior view of a print workshop with three individuals working with a large press. One person operates the press by turning a handle, another applies ink to a plate, and the third oversees or prepares paper. The workshop has a timber ceiling with exposed beams, shelves with bottles and containers, and framed artworks hanging on the walls. The caption at the bottom describes the printing process. The scene reflects the craftsmanship and labor of traditional printmaking.