Portret van Theodor Athlet Heinrich, graaf Strattmann 1679

This portrait of Theodor Athlet Heinrich was made by Herman Hendrik Quiter using the printmaking technique of mezzotint. Look closely, and you’ll see that mezzotint allows for rich tonal variation, almost like a photograph. This is achieved through a labor-intensive process. First, the metal plate is roughened evenly using a tool called a rocker. Then, the artist gradually smooths areas of the plate to create lighter tones. The smoother the area, the less ink it holds, resulting in highlights. The final print is a direct result of countless tiny marks, each contributing to the overall image. Because of this process, mezzotints were especially favored for reproducing paintings. Yet it is important to remember the skill required to create these images, in an era before mechanical reproduction. The technique, combined with the composition, speaks of power, status, and wealth. It also asks us to consider printmaking as a skilled craft, rather than just a mode of dissemination.