Mixed Media Engraving

A mixed media engraving refers to a work produced using two or more printing
processes. Antique prints usually combined copper engraving, etching and/or mezzotint to form a single image.Today combinations are endless, reflecting the creativity and skill of the artist which even may include found objects.

The Victorian Mixed Method Engraving: Perhaps the most technically demanding form of original printmaking in the history of art, the Victorian mixed method engraving reached its pinnacle of virtuosity in the last latter nineteenth century. During this time large engravings were created to hang in Victorian homes. Highly skilled engravers would often devote more than a full year's labor to one of these large works of art, often combining mezzotinting, aquatint, stippling, engraving and etching on the same plate. No other form of intensive craftsmanship could produce such an outstanding variety of shades and tones as the mixed method engraving. These large engravings became the driving force of the Victorian art world. In fact, all the famous artists in England and America devoted their energies to the lucrative engraving market. Painters of international stature, such as George Henry Boughton (1883-1905), Sir John Everett Millais (1829-1896), Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-1873), Sir Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton (1830-1896),   John George Brown (1831-1913) and Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema (1836-1912) made their fortunes more by selling engraving rights to the publishers than by the actual sales of their paintings. Large Victorian era engravings are now very scarce. Nineteenth century framers had no knowledge of conservation methods and thus the majority of these valuable works of art have simply disappeared or have been unalterably stained and marred in their acidic matting and frames. Thankfully this beautiful example is in very good condition. 

In Victorian terms an impression known as a 'Proof without title'.  Proofs thus constitute the finest impressions, both in their methods of printings and in the papers used. This impression is printed on fine china paper which has been impressed onto a larger sheet of thick, white wove paper. The method known as La Chine Colée