Nature morte à l'estampe (Still Life with Print)
1962
Image not available — this artwork is under copyright
View on museum website →Medium
mezzotint and engraving on wove paper
Classification
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1964.8.52
Art Historical Context
Mario Avati created Nature morte à l'estampe (Still Life with Print) in 1962, employing the intricate techniques of mezzotint and engraving on wove paper. This still life composition, as suggested by the title, features an arrangement of objects that includes a print, offering a thoughtful dialogue between depicted items and the art of printmaking itself. The mezzotint process, originating in the 17th century, uses a rocked metal plate to hold rich ink for deep blacks, which the artist then burnishes for highlights and subtle tones. Combined with engraving for precise lines, it yields remarka...