Mesotinta

Mesotinta, also known as mezzotint, is an intaglio printmaking technique. It is distinguished by its ability to produce tonal effects rather than sharp lines. The process begins by roughening the surface of a copper or zinc plate using a tool called a rocker. The rocker is a curved blade with many sharp teeth, which is repeatedly pressed and scraped across the plate, creating a dense field of small burrs. This roughened surface, when inked, would print as a solid, rich black. To create lighter areas, the artist then uses a scraper and burnisher to smooth down these burrs. Areas that are completely smoothed will print white, while partially smoothed areas will produce various shades of grey. This subtractive method allows for a luminous quality and subtle gradations of tone, making it popular for reproducing paintings and for its atmospheric effects. Mesotinta prints often have a velvety appearance due to the texture created by the rocker. The process is labor-intensive, requiring considerable skill and patience to achieve the desired tonal range. It was particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.