Antique Mezzotint Diana the Huntress by E. Wardee

Description

A mezzotint print is created by working from black to white, rather than vice versa. In a mezzotint the metal plate is worked using a rocker, which roughens the entire surface of the plate with tiny holes and burrs. If the plate were printed at this time the image would be completely velvet black. Areas that are to appear in lighter tones or in white are smoothed out on the surface so that they will hold less ink. Mezzotint is an intaglio process, so prints made in this manner will have a platemark. The mezzotint process makes a very richly textured image and was used particularly for portraits. Mezzotint was invented by a German soldier named Ludwig von Siegen around 1642 but was refined later in that century by Abraham Blooteling. Used primarily in the eighteenth century, it was especially popular in England and was often called la manière anglaise. Mezzotinting was relatively unknown in the United States until it was brought to prominence by John Sartain.
Up for sale is a stunning mezzotint of Diana the Huntress done and hand signed by E. Wardee.
Published in London in 1925.
Wardee was one of the masters of the English mezzotint revival style of the early 1900's.
The incredible frame is 26 inches by 22 inches; print is 16 inches by 12 ½ inches. It is in fantastic condition with a spot on the bottom corner.
The rich colors used are incredible and create a beautiful portrait. I have collected mezzotints and art for over 30 years and am now downsizing my large collection due to an upcoming move.
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