Copperplate engraving is a printmaking technique that involves incising a design onto a metal plate, typically made of copper. The artist uses a sharp tool called a burin to carve lines into the surface, creating an image or text. Once the design is complete, ink is applied to the plate, filling the incised lines, and then the plate is pressed onto paper to produce a print. This method allows for fine detail and smooth lines, making it popular among artists and illustrators. Copperplate engraving was widely used from the 15th to the 19th centuries, influencing various forms of art and print media, including book illustrations and maps.