Not matted or framed.
Drypoint etching; limited run, 4/4

Drypoint etching is done by using a sharp implement to carve the lines of an underlying drawing into a soft, clear plate (I use plexiglass).  The ink is then worked into the grooves created by etching the plate.  Once the plate is inked, it is run through a printing press.  Drypoint differs from other forms of etching in that it does not require that the plate be submerged in a chemical bath prior to being inked.

Generally, a drypoint etched plate can be used to run several prints if it is re-inked after each print.  Each print is labeled in the left corner with the print number and the total number of prints run from the plate.

In this particular etching, after the plate was inked and before running it through the press, I covered the plate with a very thin layer of ink to create the color background, i.e. the relief.