What is the main characteristic of the intaglio printmaking technique?

The main characteristic of the intaglio printmaking technique is that the image is incised into the surface of a plate, typically made of metal. This process involves using tools to carve or etch lines into the plate, creating a design that will later hold ink. When the plate is inked and wiped so that only the incised areas retain ink, pressure is applied to transfer the image onto paper, resulting in a print that features fine detail and a rich tonal range. This distinct process differentiates intaglio from other printmaking methods where the image might be raised or applied directly to the paper without any incised lines.