Twee tollenaars Possibly 1770 - 1774

Richard Earlom created this mezzotint, "Two Toll Collectors," around the late 18th century. The composition, steeped in monochrome, pulls us into the dimly lit, intimate space shared by these figures. The arrangement of elements guides our gaze from the toll collector meticulously writing, to his partner counting coins, and then across the table cluttered with tools of their trade. Earlom's use of light and shadow is masterful, with the bright illumination on the faces contrasting against the dark background, emphasizing the figures' expressions. The contrast not only highlights their focus on fiscal matters, but it also creates a sense of unease and tension in the confined space. The texture of the print, achieved through mezzotint, gives a tactile quality to the scene, almost making the coins and paper feel real. Earlom’s print invites a deep contemplation of the economic and moral ambiguities inherent in such roles during this era. The faces of the characters, illuminated against the gloom, are etched with a realism that transcends mere accounting; they embody the complexities of human nature caught in the act of transaction.