George, Lord Nugent 1822 - 1823

This is William Ward’s mezzotint print of George, Lord Nugent, made in England sometime around the turn of the 19th century. The mezzotint process is what gives the work its distinctive look. First, the entire copper plate would have been roughened with a tool called a rocker. Then, the design would have been created by selectively burnishing and scraping areas to create lighter tones. This printmaking technique allowed for rich tonal variations, evident here in the rendering of Nugent’s clothing, the details of his face, and in the atmospheric background. The softness of the mezzotint lends a sense of refinement, in keeping with the sitter’s aristocratic status. Mezzotint was a labor-intensive process requiring great skill. It was prized for its ability to mimic the effects of painting, but also played a role in disseminating images widely, contributing to a growing culture of visual media. Next time you look at a print, remember that its apparent simplicity often belies a complex history of making.