Jongen met een jachthoorn 1740 - 1774

Pieter Anthony Wakkerdak created this mezzotint, "Boy with a Hunting Horn," in the 18th century. Mezzotint, an intaglio printmaking technique, involves roughening a copper plate with a tool called a rocker, creating a field of tiny burrs that hold ink. By selectively burnishing or scraping away these burrs, the artist creates smooth areas that print lighter tones. This labor-intensive process allows for rich tonal gradations and velvety blacks, as seen in the soft shadows and subtle highlights of the boy's face and clothing. Wakkerdak's skillful manipulation of the mezzotint technique imbues the image with a sense of depth and realism. The velvety texture of the print adds a tactile quality to the portrayal of the boy's features and the hunting horn he holds. Understanding the material and making of this print invites us to appreciate the technical skill and labor involved in its creation, reminding us that fine art and craft are not so different after all.