Portret van Rembrandt van Rijn 1777

This is Charles Townley's "Portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn," a mezzotint print. The image is created by preparing a copper or steel plate with tiny indentations, which hold ink. Areas to be lightened are then burnished smooth, so they hold less ink. The mezzotint process allows for rich tonal variations, which you can see in the velvety blacks and subtle gradations of light across Rembrandt's face and clothing. The textures of fur and fabric are achieved through the careful manipulation of the plate’s surface. This technique demanded high skill, and was labor-intensive. Considered in relation to labor and class, prints like this democratized art. While an original painting might only be owned by the wealthy, a print could be widely distributed, making art accessible to a broader audience, and creating a market for skilled printmakers like Townley. Understanding the materials and processes behind this image really enriches our appreciation, blurring traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.