Select Mezzotints in the Antique Print Department

Showing in conjunction with Contemporary Mezzotints, February 5-27, 2010.

The process of mezzotint dates back to 17th century Germany.  Because the process allows an artist to manually achieve smooth gradations of value that can be perceived as "photorealistic," mezzotint was particularly useful in translating painted images into works on paper that could be mass produced prior to the invention of photography.

With the advent of photographic printing methods in the late 19th century, mezzotint waned in popularity for several decades.   During the 20th century, artists such as Yozo Hamaguchi (1909-2000) led a revival of interest in the medium.  Today mezzotint is the medium of choice for a number of contemporary printmakers who prize its dramatic values and smooth, velvety textures.