Jona door de vis uitgespuwd 1658 - 1677

Wallerant Vaillant created this print, "Jonah Spat Out of the Fish," using the technique of mezzotint. This process involves roughening the entire copper plate with a tool called a rocker, then smoothing areas to create lighter tones. It’s a subtractive process, moving from dark to light. Look closely and you'll see the rich blacks and velvety grays, characteristic of mezzotint. Notice how the texture of the plate itself seems to emerge, giving the image depth. The labor-intensive process, involving careful manipulation of the plate, imbues the scene with a dramatic intensity. Consider the historical context: in the 17th century, printmaking was a crucial medium for disseminating images, ideas, and stories, yet this difficult technique was considered the height of sophistication. By appreciating the making of this print, we recognize printmaking as a skilled craft deeply embedded in the cultural and economic landscape of its time.