Portret van Cornelis Richard Anton van Bommel 1813 - 1848

Ferdinand Benchet Lhérie created this portrait of Cornelis Richard Anton van Bommel using the technique of mezzotint. In this printmaking process, the artist roughens the entire plate with a tool called a rocker, creating countless tiny dots that hold ink. By selectively burnishing or smoothing areas of the plate, they can create lighter tones, revealing an image from the darkness. Look closely at the velvety textures, especially in the background and the sitter's robes; these were achieved by meticulously working the metal surface. Mezzotint allowed for subtle gradations of tone, ideal for capturing the textures and details of a portrait. The technique required patience and skill, reflecting a tradition of craft. Yet, it also facilitated the reproduction of images, circulating likenesses of prominent figures like van Bommel, a bishop. Ultimately, understanding mezzotint and its labor underscores how the material and making process can reveal the social and cultural significance of art.