Collotype

/ˈkɑləˌtaɪp/ noun

Definition

A photographic printing process that produces high-quality, fine-detailed images without using halftone dots; also called photogel or heliotype.

Etymology

From coll- (colloid) + -type (printing process). Developed in the 1850s-1860s and named for the colloid (gelatin) surface used to hold ink in this photographic printing method.

Kelly Says

Collotype created some of the most beautiful art book reproductions ever made—it was the gold standard before digital printing, capable of capturing tones so subtle they looked almost like the original painting. Museums still cherish vintage collotype books because no modern process quite matched its elegance.

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