Kop van een oude man c. 1658

This head of an old man was created by Prinz Ruprecht using the mezzotint technique. This printmaking process is all about manipulating the plate’s surface to create tone, rather than relying on lines. To make a mezzotint, the metal plate is roughened evenly with a tool called a rocker. If printed at this stage, the plate would produce a solid black field. The artist then works back into this prepared surface with burnishers and scrapers to create lighter areas. The smoother the surface, the less ink it holds, resulting in lighter tones in the final print. The velvety blacks and subtle gradations of light seen here are characteristic of mezzotint. This tonal richness allowed artists to mimic the effects of painting with unprecedented fidelity. The process demands considerable labor, skill, and control. This approach elevated printmaking beyond mere reproduction, positioning it as a refined art form capable of capturing nuanced textures. Paying attention to materials, making, and context helps us fully understand the meaning and cultural value of works like this, blurring the boundaries between art and craft.