Unlike giclee prints, which are fine art reproductions, monotypes are original and unique prints not reproductions. The monotype process was invented by the Italian painter and etcher, Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-64). Monotyping is a type of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a smooth, non-absorbent surface. The surface, or matrix, was historically a copper plate but in contemporary work it can vary from zinc or glass to acrylic glass. The image is then transferred onto a sheet of paper by pressing th two together, usually using an etching press. Monotypes can also be created by inking an entire surface and then, using brushing or rags, removing ink to create a subtractive image. The inks or paints used can be oil-based or water based. Monotyping produces an unique print, or monotye and most of the ink or paint is removed during the initial pressing. Although subsequent reprinting are sometimes possible, they differ greatly from the first print. These prints from the original plate are clled "ghost prints". A print made by pressing a new print onto another surface, effectively making the print into a plate, is called a "cognate". This collection of monotypes contains first prints, ghost prints and cognates.
