About This Artwork

Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008)
printed by Donn Steward (American, 1921-1986)
published by Universal Limited Art Editions (American, founded 1955)

Intaglio Watch, 1968

Inkless etching from one plate on ivory wove paper
235 x 36 mm (image); 595 x 193 mm (sheet)
U.L.A.E. Collection acquired through a challenge grant of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dittmer; restricted gift of supporters of the Department of Prints and Drawings; Centennial Endowment; Margaret Fisher Endowment Fund, 1982.1144

Sparks 37 artist's proof

In Drizzle, Rauschenberg used a copper plate with a pattern taken from his wristwatch. A few impressions of the watch alone were made on small sheets of handmade paper, titled Intaglio Watch, and given as gifts to guests at Maurice Grosman's birthday luncheon. "Intaglio" is the term used to describe the printing process by which impressions are taken from inked lines incised into a metal plate (e.g., engraving, drypoint, mezzotint.)