Portret van Jane Goodwin 1716

This print portraying Jane Goodwin was made by Pieter van Gunst, using a technique called mezzotint. This process involves roughening a copper plate with a tool called a rocker, then selectively smoothing areas to create lighter tones. Look closely, and you’ll see how this manipulation of texture gives the image its distinctive velvety appearance. The draped fabric, for example, has a tactile quality that’s quite different from the smooth surfaces often found in engravings. Mezzotint was valued for its ability to produce rich tonal gradations and subtle shading, and was a popular choice for reproducing paintings. The labor-intensive nature of mezzotint meant it was often used for high-end portraiture like this, catering to a wealthy clientele. Each print represents hours of skilled work, transforming the copper plate into a matrix of light and shadow. So, next time you see a mezzotint, remember the artistry and labor embedded in its making.