Gezelschap van mannen met William Benn 1752 - 1756

This is a mezzotint print by John Faber II, made in the 18th century, and depicting a gathering of men around a table. Mezzotint is a printmaking process that relies on careful labor. The metal plate is roughened, then polished to create the tonal range. Dark areas are left rough, while lighter areas are smoothed. The process allows for rich textures and subtle gradations of tone, as you can see in the rendering of the men's clothing. The clothing itself speaks to social status. Note the fine fabrics, elaborate wigs, and tailored cuts, all indicators of wealth and privilege. The scene suggests a convivial gathering, perhaps a social club or meeting of merchants. The amount of work involved in the production of the print, from the preparation of the plate to the final impression, underscores the value placed on skilled craftsmanship at this time. This print represents a fascinating intersection of artistic skill, social status, and material culture in 18th-century society, and challenges us to consider the labor involved in both its creation and the lifestyles of its subjects.