Sir Joshua Reynolds - The Rob Dixon Collection

Beauties of the Present Age. Sir Joshua Reynolds – The Rob Dixon Collection.

Contacting us, our client requested specialist artwork scanning of an initial 9 of his fine mezzotints into high quality TIFF 600dpi digital files for his online publications.

http://www.sirjoshuareynolds.com/RSD_Collection/Rob_Dixon_Collection_Beauties.htm

Beauties of the Present Age
A set of 11 fine mezzotints, engraved by Valentine Green after Sir Joshua Reynolds, published 1779-1782, the most sought after set of mezzotints. Fine proof impressions fetched extraordinary prices in the early 20^th century. It is believed that Green only issued 50 proofs.

These sought after and very valuable mezzotints were fragile and required a careful approach to digitisation. With our client wishing to watch the process, to ensure the conversion went as per his instructions, we started processing the images.

Mezzotint is a monochrome printmaking process of the intaglio family.^[2] It was the first printing process that yielded half-tones without using line- or dot-based techniques like hatching, cross-hatching or stipple. Mezzotint achieves tonality by roughening a metal plate with thousands of little dots made by a metal tool with small teeth, called a "rocker". In printing, the tiny pits in the plate retain the ink when the face of the plate is wiped clean. This technique can achieve a high level of quality and richness in the print.

This order was a privilege to work on. Not only was the collector highly knowledgeable in his field, but the artwork was simply stunning. You certainly could not fail to see the incredible use of light and shade that went into preparing these mezzotint proofs.

We will be working again on our clients next collection, until his order is complete. Carefully digitising using our A1 scanner and ensuring each scan is to the archive standards required.

If we can support you with your artwork digitisation, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your order. Email cheryl@oxfordduplicationcentre.com or call 01865 457000.

Kind regards

Cheryl

https://oxfordduplicationcentre.com/heritage-artwork-digitisation.html

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