Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje, en Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1749

This portrait of Willem III and Maria II, now in the Rijksmuseum, was created by an anonymous artist, using the technique of mezzotint. Mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking process which relies on a copper or steel plate roughened evenly, to hold ink. The image is created by selectively burnishing or scraping away the texture to create smooth areas that don't hold ink, producing shades of grey to black. Look closely, and you can see a very fine texture across the whole surface. This printmaking method allowed for the creation of rich tonal effects. The velvety blacks and subtle gradations of light would have given the image a luxurious feel, appealing to the patrons who acquired such images. The labour-intensive nature of mezzotint meant these prints were relatively costly, limiting their accessibility to wealthier social classes. This portrait reflects the intersection of artistic skill, technological innovation, and social status. Appreciating how it was made, helps us to understand its original cultural impact.