Mater Dolorosa 1658 - 1677

Wallerant Vaillant made this mezzotint, Mater Dolorosa, using a copper plate. It's a printmaking process achieving tones through many tiny dots. Think about the labor involved. First, the plate is roughened evenly with a tool called a rocker. This creates a solid black if printed. Then, the artist smooths areas with burnishers and scrapers, controlling the ink the plate holds. The smoother the area, the less ink it holds, resulting in lighter tones. Vaillant skillfully manipulated these techniques to create the image of the sorrowful mother. Mezzotint was prized for its rich blacks and subtle gradations. It allowed for tonal effects difficult to achieve in line-based techniques. The process demanded intense concentration and skillful handwork. Vaillant’s printmaking skill elevates this image beyond devotional art, showcasing the expressive potential inherent in the material and the process itself.