Matriz or Woodblocks

A matrix (also called a block in some techniques like woodcut) is the surface on which an image or design is engraved, later to be transferred to a final support—such as paper or fabric—through a printing process.

It can be made of various materials: wood, metal, linoleum, stone, or acrylic, depending on the printmaking technique used (woodcut, intaglio, linocut, lithography, etc.).

The design is carved, etched, or worked into the matrix, and when inked and pressed against the support, it leaves its reversed imprint.

The resulting image is a print of the matrix, and multiple identical copies can be produced from a single matrix.

In woodcut, the matrix is a carved wooden block.
In intaglio, a metal plate (such as copper or zinc) is engraved with acids or burins.
In linocut, a linoleum sheet is carved with gouges.