Etchings are a form of printmaking that involves incising a design onto a metal plate, usually made of copper or zinc. The artist uses a sharp tool called a burin to create lines on the plate, which is then coated with a waxy ground. After the design is etched into the plate using acid, the ground is removed, and ink is applied to the grooves. The plate is then pressed onto paper to create a print. This technique has been used by many famous artists, including Rembrandt and Francisco Goya. Etchings can vary in style and complexity, allowing for detailed images and textures. They are valued for their unique qualities and the skill required to produce them.