mezzotints
Roughened copper prints
Mezzotints are prints made from metal plates that have been roughened to hold ink, then selectively smoothed to create gradations from deep black to white.
The technique produces rich tonal effects difficult to achieve with line engraving, making it ideal for reproducing paintings.
Popular from the 17th through 19th centuries, mezzotints are now largely a fine art curiosity: The museum displayed several mezzotints after Reynolds portraits.
Formal looped penmanship
- aquatintTonal etching process
- drypointNeedle-scratched printmaking method
- rockerChair on curved rails
- rouletteSpinning wheel wager
burnisher · scraper · burin · plate · rocking · burr · ground · ink
Incremental transition between stages
- chiaroscuroContrast technique in painting
- tonalRelating to pitch
- halftoneDot-based image reproduction
- velvetySoft and smooth-textured
richness · softness · darkness · shadows · highlights · midtones · depth · luminosity
Old valued collectible
- rareSeldom found or seen
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- curatorCollection overseer
- gallerySpace for displaying artwork
exhibition · portfolio · auction · provenance · restoration · conservation · impression · state
Images of specific people
- old mastersHistoric European artists
- nocturnesCompositions suggesting nighttime
- reproductionsCopies of originals
- masterworksSupreme creative achievements
figure studies · landscapes · allegories · historical paintings
copperplate
Formal looped penmanship
roulette · burnisher · scraper · burin · plate · rocking · burr · ground · ink · press
gradation
Incremental transition between stages
- chiaroscuroContrast technique in painting
- tonalRelating to pitch
- halftoneDot-based image reproduction
velvety · richness · softness · darkness · shadows · highlights · midtones · depth · luminosity · subtlety
antique
Old valued collectible
- rareSeldom found or seen
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- curatorCollection overseer
gallery · exhibition · portfolio · auction · provenance · restoration · conservation · impression · state · foxing
portraits
Images of specific people
- old mastersHistoric European artists
- nocturnesCompositions suggesting nighttime
- reproductionsCopies of originals
masterworks · figure studies · landscapes · allegories · historical paintings
mezzotintswoodcuts
Prints from carved lumber
etchings · linocuts · lithographs · aquatints · serigraphs
mezzotintsline drawings
Art using only strokes
pen and ink · hatching · crosshatching · wireframe · woodcuts