Winter: a woman holding a spotted fur mantle 1775

Richard Houston created this print, "Winter," using the labor-intensive technique of mezzotint. This process involves roughening a copper plate with a tool called a rocker, then smoothing areas to create shades of gray and white, resulting in rich tonal gradations. Here, the soft textures of the fur mantle beautifully demonstrate the mezzotint's potential for verisimilitude. Notice how the process captures light as it plays across the fur, suggesting its tactile qualities. This was a highly skilled printmaking process, demanding the touch of a true artisan. But consider also the broader context: the fashion for fur as a symbol of wealth and status, and the labor involved in obtaining and processing it. The print not only showcases Houston's mastery, but invites us to consider issues of consumption and class in 18th-century society. This artwork challenges us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in its creation, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.