Marcus Anthonius 1787

John Murphy produced this mezzotint print of Marcus Anthonius, sometime between 1778 and 1817. Mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking process that relies on building up tone. The plate is roughened evenly with a tool called a rocker to create a texture of tiny dots that will hold ink. Smooth areas are then burnished to remove the texture and create lighter tones, giving the image its form. The darks and lights of this print are achieved by the labor-intensive, almost sculptural act of working the metal plate. This process imbues the artwork with a unique character, offering a tonal richness that is particularly suited to dramatic historical subjects like this one. The artistry in this print isn't just in the design, but also in the skilled manipulation of the plate. The level of work emphasizes the craft inherent in printmaking, and how this contributes to the artwork's overall impact and meaning.