Excerpt from John Raphael Smith: And the Great Mezzotinters of the Time of Reynolds
The enormous prices that have been realised by mezzotint in recent years have of course only gone for brilliant impressions in perfect condition, and the quality of impression is a more important factor with mezzotint than with engravings in any other process except dry-point. In fact the rarity of good impressions in the case of both mezzotint and dry-point comes from the same reason, the delicacy of the burr which gives to both their deep velvety tone. Twenty or thirty printings may be quite enough to wear down this burr, and leave the later prints as mere ghostly reminders of their former glories. In spite of this many of the most famous plates, such as J. R. Smith's Mrs. Carnac, and John Jones's Miss Kemble (c. S. Have yielded thousands of impressions. The Mrs. Carnac in particular, which is still in the possession of Messrs. P. And D. Colnaghi, has been reworked from time to time with such skill that even some modern impressions are effective. But they have almost lost all relationship with the original work, so drastic have been the restorations, and their value is negligible on that account.
Modern photogravure gives marvellous results in reproducing the tone of oil-paintings. But as a photo-mechanical process that relies on etching for the work on the plate there is a complete absence of the rich burr that lends mezzotint its incomparable qualities of texture and tone.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
Die Inhaltsangabe kann sich auf eine andere Ausgabe dieses Titels beziehen.
Anbieter: Forgotten Books, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the history of mezzotint engraving, a technique that flourished in the 18th century and produced some of the most remarkable interpretations of oil paintings. Through a comprehensive analysis of notable engravers like John Raphael Smith and Valentine Green, the book unveils the artistry and technical brilliance of mezzotint. The author traces the evolution of mezzotint from its inception to its golden age during the Reynolds period, exploring its unique qualities and the challenges faced by engravers in capturing the subtleties of brushwork and tone. The book sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between engravers and painters, highlighting the collaborative efforts that resulted in stunning reproductions of masterpieces. Beyond its technical aspects, the book examines the artistic and cultural significance of mezzotint. It discusses the role of mezzotints in disseminating art to a wider audience and their impact on the development of print collecting and connoisseurship. The author also delves into the interplay between mezzotint and other printmaking techniques, showcasing how mezzotint's rich tonal range and velvety texture set it apart. This book is an invaluable resource for art historians, collectors, and anyone interested in the fascinating world of mezzotint engraving. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technique's history, its artistic merits, and its enduring legacy in the realm of printmaking. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 9781333679651_0
Anzahl: Mehr als 20 verfügbar
Anbieter: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, USA
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9781333679651
Anbieter: Bulrushed Books, Moscow, ID, USA
Zustand: Like New. In unused condition, may show some slight shelf wear, but otherwise unread. This title was digitally scanned from a rare, out of print edition, and will have some visual artifacts from that process. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers #253B-0135
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
Anbieter: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, Vereinigtes Königreich
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9781333679651
Anzahl: 15 verfügbar