Characteristic of modern relief printing is the use of alternative materials to wood to create the printing matrices; the most used is linoleum. Made by mixing together linseed oil, cork powder and Greek pitch spread on a jute trellis, linoleum has a smooth, compact surface that can be easily engraved with gouges. The engraving technique is no different from woodcut and the appearance of the prints is also the same; linoleum is easier to work with than wood, as it has no grain and is relatively plastic; it adapts to a spontaneous and cursive drawing. Patented by F. Walton in 1863, this material was used to make matrices for relief printing from the early years of this century. They engraved on linoleum, among others. Kandinsky and some Expressionists. The ease of linocut engraving fascinat.