Portret van Edward Turner 1763

This mezzotint portrait of Edward Turner was made by James McArdell in the mid-18th century. McArdell was a master of this printmaking technique, which involves roughening a copper plate with a tool called a rocker, then smoothing areas to create lighter tones. What’s fascinating here is the way mezzotint mimics the textures of fine fabrics. Look closely, and you'll see how McArdell captured the sheen of satin, the plushness of velvet, and the intricate patterns of lace. These weren't just aesthetic choices, but potent symbols of wealth and status. They speak volumes about the sitter's position in society, and also about the economic system that sustained that position. Consider the labor involved in producing such luxurious textiles, and the global trade networks that brought them to England. McArdell’s skill allowed a wider audience to participate, at least visually, in the material culture of the elite. So, this print is not just a portrait, but a window onto the complex relationship between art, craft, and commerce in the 1700s.