Final answer:
Albrecht Dürer's trial proofs are known as working or state proofs and were part of the printmaking process to help the artist assess progress and make necessary adjustments before the final print.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trial proofs (prints) made by Albrecht Dürer as he worked on the plate for his print are called working proofs or state proofs. Dürer took these proofs before the final version of the print was completed to test how the image was developing. This practice was not about impatience, but rather a necessary step in the printmaking process. By taking a print partway through the process, Dürer could assess the work done on the plate and make adjustments before the final print was made. It was critical for ensuring the quality of the image, and for planning further changes needed to achieve the desired final effect. Dürer's attention to detail and desire for perfection in his figures, as depicted in 'Adam and Eve', and his utilization of this technique underscore the importance of working proofs in his printmaking technique.