Jonge vrouw met zangvogels 1756

This print, "Young Woman with Songbirds," was made by Richard Houston in the 18th century using the method of mezzotint. The technique involves preparing a copper plate with a tool called a "rocker," which creates a dense, uniform texture of tiny indentations. This labour-intensive process allows the artist to achieve rich tonal variations by selectively burnishing or scraping areas of the plate smooth, creating lighter tones. Houston has used this to render the woman’s elaborate gown with impressive detail and texture. Notice how the fabric seems to gleam, a testament to the skillful manipulation of the plate. Mezzotint was often used to reproduce paintings, making art accessible to a wider audience. In this case, it also speaks to the increasing commercialization of art in the 18th century, reflecting a growing market for luxury goods and refined aesthetics. Through Houston’s printmaking we might reflect on the interplay of craft, commerce, and artistic expression.