Line Engraving
A traditional method of creating images with lines on metal or wood
Line engraving is a technique in which an image is formed with parallel, intersecting, or variously curved lines carefully engraved on a surface (often metal or wood). In such a drawing, shades, light, and shadow are achieved solely by the number and thickness of the strokes. The mastery of transitioning from dense areas to light ones without losing volume is especially valued.
Line engraving was particularly popular before the advent of photomechanical printing methods: it was this technique that allowed for the creation of complex illustrations for books and newspapers.
Interestingly, in the 19th century, owning a collection of such engravings was considered a sign of high class, and sometimes wealthy people even staged peculiar 'battles' at auctions for prints with curious subjects or rare masterful strokes.