Fluitspelende jongen 1682 - 1688

Michiel Gillig created this mezzotint print of a flute-playing boy in the late 17th century. Mezzotint is a printmaking process that relies on creating tone, rather than line. The metal plate is roughened evenly to hold ink, then areas are burnished smooth to create lighter tones. It's a labor-intensive technique, requiring great skill to achieve the subtle gradations of light and shadow we see here. Look closely, and you'll notice how Gillig's masterful manipulation of the medium gives the image a velvety texture. The boy's clothing, the feather in his cap, and even the light reflecting off the glass, all benefit from the richness that mezzotint can offer. Consider, too, that in Gillig's time, music was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle classes. This print, with its celebration of artistic practice, reflects a broader societal shift in tastes and values. Appreciating the skill that went into both playing the flute, and creating this print, allows us to fully appreciate the artistry on display.