Portret van John Pine c. 1755 - 1765

This is James McArdell’s "Portret van John Pine," a mezzotint print. This process involves preparing a copper plate with tiny burrs, creating a uniformly dark surface. The artist then scrapes away areas to create lighter tones, resulting in an image built from dark to light. Here, the velvety blacks create a sense of depth, and the scraped highlights define Pine's face and clothing. The inherent qualities of the mezzotint, with its rich tonality, imbue the portrait with a sense of luxury and status. McArdell’s skill in manipulating the plate is evident in the subtle gradations of tone. Mezzotint was a popular method for reproducing portraits in the 18th century, as it allowed for a painterly effect that mirrored the textures and tones of oil paint. It was a labor-intensive process, requiring both technical skill and artistic sensibility. By understanding the method of production, we can better appreciate the artistry involved and challenge distinctions between fine art and craft.