"The Leslie Boy" Hand Colored Mezzotint by Antoine Gaymard
Item Details
An original 1911 antique colored mezzotint by Antoine Gaymard after the painting The Leslie Boy by Sir Henry Raeburn, R. A. (1756-1823). The image depicts a young smiling boy in dress attire and a large hat. Shadowy trees, low mountains, and a deeply colored sky fill the space behind the boy. The print is copyrighted January 3, 1911 in the upper left corner. The words ‘Engraved in fine mezzotint and printed in colour in one printing without retouching’ are written in pencil in the lower right corner, along with the artist’s signature. The print is matted in white and presented behind glass in an ornate gilt frame. A wire is attached to the verso for hanging, along with a sticker that reads ‘Frank Hall, Fine Art Dealer.’
This print exhibits the full capabilities of the mezzotint medium, one of the most hallowed traditions of printmaking. The copperplate is masticated with a sharp ridged bevel called a rocker so that it’s surface will absorb ink like a sponge. The rough surface is then burnished back to varying degrees of smoothness to reveal the desired image. Engraved line is used many times to outline the drawing before the plate is rocked. Engraved lines are deeper than the lines made by the rocker so they may be seen through the heavy texture.
Condition
-consistent with age. Light foxing across the paper, most noticeable on the figure.
Dimensions
Item #
15CIN442-028