Morgensol 1913

Peter Ilsted created this print, Morgensol, using a mezzotint technique, a method that allows for rich tonal gradations. Unlike etching or engraving, mezzotint begins with roughening the entire plate to create a surface that, if printed, would be entirely black. The artist then works from dark to light, smoothing areas to reduce their ink-holding capacity and create lighter tones. The labor-intensive process demands meticulous skill, reflecting a dedication to craft, and control over the medium. The scene's moodiness hinges on the contrast between light and shadow. The light filtering through the window isn't just a visual effect; it’s achieved through the painstaking manipulation of the plate. The soft texture of the mezzotint enhances the quiet domesticity of the scene, blurring the line between the industrial process of printmaking and the intimate, handmade quality. By valuing the material and the making, we can appreciate how Ilsted elevated printmaking from mere reproduction to an art form that can stand alongside painting.