Portret van Edward Littleton 1690 - 1704

Robert Williams created this mezzotint portrait of Edward Littleton in the late 17th century. Mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking process, meaning the image is incised into a metal plate, usually copper or steel. First, the plate is roughened with a tool called a rocker to create a dense network of tiny dots that would print as solid black. The artist then smooths areas of the plate to varying degrees, creating lighter tones. Look closely at the details of Littleton's face, his voluminous garments and ruff. This technique allowed for rich tonal gradations and velvety textures. It was particularly well-suited to portraiture, as you can see here. Mezzotint was labor-intensive but allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images. Consider the social context in which images like this portrait circulated, reinforcing class distinctions and power through the skilled manipulation of materials and techniques. It reminds us to value not only the image but also the means of its making.