‘Seventeenth century Dutch painters and printmakers 

sought to depict chiaroscuro and convey atmospheric depth. 

 Although a variety of relief and intaglio techniques existed,

 a nonlinear graphic process that could

 translate painting’s tonal values and

 surface textures had eluded artists, engravers and publishers. 

 Mezzotint is a technique where the artist works from dark to light. 

 It was discovered in 1642 by an amateur, 

Ludwig van Siegen of Utrecht.  Drawn from the Art Museum’s permanent collection

 this show presents landmarks in the history of mezzotint

 from 1642 through its heyday as a reproductive medium in

 eighteenth century portraiture in

 England through the creative use of the medium today.”