A technical dictionary of printmaking, André Béguin.
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Before inscriptions
In the past engravings often featured a title, a short text, a dedication, the name of the designer, of the engraver, of the printer, etc. All of this information constituted the inscriptions. Once the platehad been finished (i.e. once the image was complete) and before adding the inscriptions a certain amount of impressions were taken to test the results obtained. The first few impressions are more intense because the inking has the advantage of the burr* which wears off after just a few impressions. Because of this phenomenon the trial impressions before inscriptions are highly regarded and sought after by collectors. [*proof]
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