Portret van John Pine c. 1755 - 1765

"Portret van John Pine" is a mezzotint portrait by Irish artist James McArdell. This engraving, dated between 1755 and 1765, showcases McArdell's mastery of the technique, achieving a remarkably detailed and lifelike depiction of John Pine, a renowned English engraver. The work, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures Pine's intense gaze and features, adding a sense of realism and depth to the composition. McArdell's meticulous attention to detail and his use of chiaroscuro, the interplay of light and shadow, enhance the sense of three-dimensionality in the piece. The mezzotint, a printmaking technique involving engraving on a metal plate, exemplifies the artistic skill and technical advancements of the 18th century.