Difference between revisions of "Mezzotint"

From CAMEO
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 2: Line 2:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
  
An engraving process invented in the middle of the 17th century. Mezzotint plates, usually [[copper]] or [[steel]], contain a pattern of burred holes that hold the ink. The burrs are either partially or completely removed to provide a wide range of subtle tones in the print.
+
An intaglio process that was invented in the middle of the 17th century. A metal plate is prepared using a rocker to cover the entire surface with an even, toothy texture to hold ink.  A design is drawn by smoothing out the burr with a burnisher.  The burnished areas will hold less ink and appear lighter, whereas the untouched sections will print very dark. Mezzotints are characterized by a velvety matte surface.
  
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==

Revision as of 12:48, 1 July 2014

MFA Acc. #: 2001.144

Description

An intaglio process that was invented in the middle of the 17th century. A metal plate is prepared using a rocker to cover the entire surface with an even, toothy texture to hold ink. A design is drawn by smoothing out the burr with a burnisher. The burnished areas will hold less ink and appear lighter, whereas the untouched sections will print very dark. Mezzotints are characterized by a velvety matte surface.

Synonyms and Related Terms

black manner; mezzotint (Ned., Sven.); zwarte kunstprent (Ned.); manière noire (Fr.); Schabkunst (Deut.); Mezzotinto (Deut.); mezzatinta (It.); media tinta (Esp.)

Mezzotint, detail

Additional Information

Carol Wax, The Mezzotint: History and Technique. New York : H.N. Abrams, 1990

Authority

  • The Bullfinch Guide to Art History, Shearer West (ed.), Bullfinch Press, Boston, 1996

Retrieved from "https://cameo.mfa.org/index.php?title=Mezzotint&oldid=45967"