Mezzotint
Mezzotints are essentially an engraving in reverse, and is another type of Intaglio printing. A mezzotint is created when the engraver grounds a copper plate (a time-consuming process), using a curved serrated chisel, known as 'the rocker'. The rocker is rocked back and forth in a symmetrical manor across the plate, numerous times and in all directions, producing a rough burr. In this state, when inked the plate will print solid black.
The design is then created by scrapping away at the bur to reveal the copper. These areas will hold less ink, or none at all, and will print in shades or will allow the light of the paper to show through as highlights. The mezzotint plate is particularly prone to wear from the printing process, resulting in the earliest impressions to print dark with strong definition, with later prints being much notably fainter.
Mezzotint prints were invented in the 17th century, following the interest in chiaroscuro (the use of contrasting light and dark) within art. The prints could create a similar painterly effect in print. The image is achieved entirely without lines through tonal contrast and subtle continuous change of tone (mezzo tinto is Italian for “half-tone”).
The design is then created by scrapping away at the bur to reveal the copper. These areas will hold less ink, or none at all, and will print in shades or will allow the light of the paper to show through as highlights. The mezzotint plate is particularly prone to wear from the printing process, resulting in the earliest impressions to print dark with strong definition, with later prints being much notably fainter.
Mezzotint prints were invented in the 17th century, following the interest in chiaroscuro (the use of contrasting light and dark) within art. The prints could create a similar painterly effect in print. The image is achieved entirely without lines through tonal contrast and subtle continuous change of tone (mezzo tinto is Italian for “half-tone”).
