This is a fine impression of the second state of Rembrandt’s masterpiece
known as The Hundred Guilder Print, so-called because it is supposed to
have brought that price—a high one for the period—in Rembrandt’s own time.
Rembrandt is not only the greatest artist of the Dutch school, but also
the greatest master of etching the world has ever known.
The art of mezzotint engraving attained its highest development in England
during the XVIII century. The English portrait painters were quick to
recognize that the mezzotint process with its delicacy of tone and
beautiful, velvety quality was admirably suited to the reproduction of
their works. Reynolds is said to have employed, under his supervision,
one hundred mezzotint engravers in the reproduction of his portraits.
English mezzotints are well represented in our collection.
[Portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds by Himself
Mezzotint by Valentine Green, 1739-1813]
Portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds by Himself
Mezzotint by Valentine Green, 1739-1813
[The Breaking up of the Agamemnon. Sir Francis Seymour Haden, 1818-1910]