Portret van Anne Day 1760

This mezzotint, "Portret van Anne Day," was created by James McArdell in 1760, just five years before his death. The print, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts Anne Day in a close-up portrait with a delicate, lace-trimmed gown. The use of mezzotint, a technique that creates a velvety texture and range of grays, was popular in the 18th century and was often used for portraits. McArdell was a highly skilled mezzotint engraver, and his work is characterized by its soft, subtle tones and attention to detail, evident in Anne Day's expressive features and the intricate lacework of her attire.