Final answer:
Relief and intaglio are two primary printing processes, with Albrecht Dürer being a notable printmaker. Printmaking facilitated artists earning more money through the production of multiple copies, and early prints often featured religious subject matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are two primary types of printing processes:
- Relief printing, which includes techniques like woodblock or linocut, where the image is carved in relief on a matrix such as wood or linoleum. The raised areas receive ink which is then transferred to paper. This method is known for bold contrast and less fine detail.
- Intaglio printing, involving methods like engraving and etching, where the image is incised into a metal plate. The incisions hold the ink, and when paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred from the grooves, allowing for fine detail.
Albrecht Dürer was an important figure in printmaking; his works, including the famous 'The Rhinoceros' woodcut, showcase the detail and creativity achievable in relief printing. Printmaking enabled artists like Dürer to generate income more efficiently, as multiple prints could be made from a single matrix. Initially, the subject matter of many early prints was predominantly religious, reflecting the significant role of religion in society at the time.