Jonge vrouw op een bed 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk created this print of a young woman on a bed in Amsterdam, likely using a technique called mezzotint. This process involves roughening the entire plate, then selectively burnishing areas to create lighter tones. Look closely and you will see that the velvety blacks and smooth gradations are distinct from the crisp lines of an engraving. This tonal quality beautifully captures the luxurious textures of the woman's gown and the ornate bed. The choice of mezzotint is significant. It's a labor-intensive process, aligned with the culture of luxury depicted, reminding us of the hand skills that drove the fashion and furnishing trades. Although a print like this could be mechanically reproduced, the technique itself speaks of craft and careful labor. So, consider the time and skill involved in creating this image, reflecting the values of the society that produced and consumed it.