Portret van Thomas Brett 1743 - 1765

This print, depicting Thomas Brett, was made by James McArdell in the mid-18th century using a technique called mezzotint. Mezzotint is an intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a metal plate, in this case likely copper. What makes it unique is that the entire plate is roughened first, using a tool called a rocker. If printed at this stage, it would produce a solid black image. The artist then works back into the plate with scrapers and burnishers to create lighter tones, and ultimately a full range of values. The labor involved in mezzotint is considerable, demanding both physical strength and meticulous skill. McArdell's mastery is evident in the subtle gradations of tone and the rich textures he achieves, particularly in the rendering of fabric and flesh. The very nature of mezzotint, with its emphasis on tonal depth, lends a certain gravitas to the portrait. It also reminds us that image making was once a laborious and highly skilled endeavor.