Voorlezer in een venster 1723 - 1789

Jacob Hoolaart made this print, "Voorlezer in een venster", using a technique called mezzotint. Mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking process. The plate would be roughened, using a tool called a rocker, in order to create tone by creating many little dots that will hold ink. The image is then created by smoothing or burnishing parts of the plate, so they hold less ink and appear lighter in the final print. The velvety darkness of Hoolaart's print is a direct result of this labor-intensive method. The technique was particularly popular in the 18th century for reproducing paintings, because it allowed for subtle gradations of tone. In this case, mezzotint heightens the effect of candlelight, illuminating the faces gathered at the window. Consider the amount of work involved in the production process, and how it enriches the artwork with cultural significance.