Portret van Anna van Hannover 1734 - 1799

This print, portraying Anna van Hannover, was crafted by an anonymous artist. The process behind it, known as mezzotint, is quite fascinating. Unlike etching or engraving, where lines are incised, mezzotint starts with a roughened copper plate. Imagine a surface covered in tiny burrs, each capable of holding ink. If printed at this stage, the image would be a solid, velvety black. The artist then works to selectively smooth out areas of the plate, using a tool called a burnisher. The smoother the surface, the less ink it holds, resulting in lighter tones. In this way, the image emerges from darkness, with subtle gradations of light and shadow. The technique suggests meticulous labor, a slow process of modulation. The almost photorealistic result celebrates the material splendor and the politics of consumption of the royal sitter. Next time you encounter a mezzotint, remember the labor involved and the skill required to coax an image out of darkness, and the social status of the sitter portrayed.