A monotype is a unique image produced by printing from a smooth plate, like glass or metal, that has been inked with a design.
The image is moved from the plate onto a sheet of paper by pressing them together, typically employing a printing press.
Monotypes can alternatively be crafted by applying ink across the entire surface and then, with brushes or cloths, selectively removing ink to generate areas of light within a solid, opaque colour region. Generally, a monotype impression is one-of-a-kind, although occasionally a second, fainter impression can be obtained from the inked plate, but it will be significantly lighter and generally of lower quality.