Mezzotint

MFA Acc. #: 2001.144

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.

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

C.Wax, The Mezzotint: History and Technique, London 1990.

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Mezzotint." Encyclopædia Britannica. 23 Mar. 2004 .

• Website address 1 Comment: Multilingual Glossary for Art Librarians at http://www.ifla.org/VII/s30/pub/mgl.htm

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