Linocut: a simple and expressive printing technique
Linocut is a combination of ideas, gestures, skills, and patience. Each illustration begins with a drawing, then is engraved on a linoleum plate. Ink is then applied color by color, each printed separately on very thin paper. Little by little, the final image takes shape. Slight misalignments and small traces of ink are part of the process: they make each print unique. It's a long and meticulous process, and we wanted to show you the behind-the-scenes of it. Matita Edizioni
Linocut is an artistic printing technique belonging to the family of relief engravings. Developed in the early 20th century, it involves cutting a linoleum plate to create an image that is then inked and printed on paper. Accessible, affordable, and expressive, it is now widely used in art schools, artisan workshops, and contemporary art production.
Origins and development
Linocut is derived from traditional woodcut techniques (xylography). Linoleum, a flexible material invented in the 19th century as a floor covering, quickly established itself as an alternative to wood thanks to its smooth, easy-to-work surface.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, several modern artists adopted this technique for its graphic qualities. Among them, Pablo Picasso experimented extensively with linocut and also developed the "lost matrix" technique, which allows for printing multiple colors using a single matrix.
The necessary material
To practice linocut you need a few tools:
-
A sheet of linoleum
-
Gouges (V- or U-shaped engraving tools)
-
An ink roller
-
Typographic ink
-
A press or a spoon for manual pressing
-
Paper suitable for art printing
The stages of construction
-
The preparatory drawing : the artist creates a sketch, taking into account that the final image will be mirrored.
-
The engraving : the areas carved into the linoleum will remain white in the print; the raised areas will receive the ink.
-
Inking : The ink is spread evenly with the roller on the unengraved surface.
-
Printing : The paper is placed on the inked matrix and pressed to transfer the image.
Each print run may present slight variations, giving the work a unique character.
Artistic features
Linocut is distinguished by:
- Strong contrasts
- Simplified and expressive forms
- A marked graphic dimension
- The ability to work in black and white or color
Some contemporary artists use flat fields and color overlays to create dynamic compositions.
Linocut and contemporary art
Today, linocut is used in illustration, independent publishing, urban art, and graphic design. It is prized for its artisanal and authentic look, especially in an age dominated by digital technology.
Anna Puklus's exhibition at the gallery
On the occasion of the publication of the illustrated book “4. Sottosopra” , written and illustrated by Anna Puklus, published in October 2025 by Matita Edizioni.
Inspired by Francesco Tonucci 's project "The City of Children , " the exhibition offers a poetic and critical reflection on the city, designed for children. Starting from the principle that if a city is suitable for children, it will be suitable for all citizens , Anna Puklus questions the organization of urban space and the way we inhabit it.
Through 23 engravings , the artist constructs a visual universe in which architecture, memory and childhood intertwine, inviting adults and children to rediscover the city as a place of play, movement and free exploration.
Anna Puklus is a Hungarian-born architect and visual artist.
Graduated from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in Budapest,
He gained over 18 years of experience in the fields of urban planning, interior architecture and public spaces, before dedicating himself entirely to the visual arts.
