ABSTRACT
Mezzotint was the earliest form of intaglio engraving to benefit from the introduction of steel plates. Only about 130 satisfactory prints can be obtained from a copper plate before it becomes worn in the printing process, but it did exhibit a wide range of tones from the characteristic deep velvety blacks to white highlights. It was aptly named the maniere noire. There was a direct relationship between the size of a plate and the number of impressions available, since the return on the work invested in the engrav ing depended on these factors. Many mezzotint plates were published by the engraver, who usually employed an assistant to ‘rock’ the plates and, possibly, a printer whose work he was expected to closely supervise if, indeed, he did not perform the process himself.
