Kattenconcert 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole made this mezzotint, Kattenconcert, sometime between 1670 and 1724, while working in Amsterdam. Mezzotint is a printmaking process that relies on carefully incising a metal plate to produce tone, rather than line. This technique allowed Gole to create rich blacks and subtle gradations of light, which are essential to the image’s dramatic effect. Look closely, and you’ll see the ways in which Gole exploits the velvety texture inherent in mezzotint. He contrasts the smooth surfaces of the metal drinking vessels with the soft fur of the screeching cat. The entire composition is balanced by tonal variation rather than firm outlines. The artist’s labor is evident in the careful burnishing and scraping of the plate. This highly skilled, labor-intensive printing process was well-suited to the production of relatively small editions for a discerning clientele. Appreciating the craft of mezzotint reminds us that printmaking, like all art forms, involves both technical mastery and creative expression.