Heraclitus met een passer 1672

This print, "Heraclitus met een passer," was made in the 17th century by Bernard Vaillant. It's created using mezzotint, a printmaking technique that allows for rich tonal variations. Vaillant likely used a tool called a "rocker" to create a dense field of burrs on the copper plate. By selectively burnishing or scraping away these burrs, he was able to control how much ink the plate would hold in certain areas, creating the image's light and shadow. The laborious nature of mezzotint meant that prints were more costly than simpler etched works. This, combined with the skill required to master the technique, elevated the status of printmakers like Vaillant. The very process of mezzotint, with its careful manipulation of the plate, parallels Heraclitus's own intellectual process, turning raw material into a work of art. Considering the materials and the social context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and labor involved in the creation of this image.