Lachende man met munten of knopen in zijn hand c. 1745 - 1767

Charles Spooner created this mezzotint, “Laughing Man with Coins or Buttons in his Hand,” in the mid-18th century. The mezzotint process involves roughening a copper plate, then selectively burnishing areas to create lighter tones, allowing for rich tonal gradations. Here, the technique captures the gleeful expression of the subject, a man clutching his wealth. The very labor-intensive nature of mezzotint highlights the value of skilled craftsmanship, a tangible manifestation of work. This image speaks to the burgeoning commercialism of the time. The laughing man, with his triumphant grin, becomes a symbol of the era's shifting values, where material success was celebrated. Spooner’s print, itself a product of skilled labor, captures the spirit of a society increasingly preoccupied with economic gain. By understanding the work involved in its production, we appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind this snapshot of 18th-century society.