Mezzotint (mezzo=half, tinta=tint)

A reverse engraving technique that uses a copper, or steel plate to produce images in relief. The surface of a master plate is roughened with a tool called a rocker so that if linked, it will print solid black. The areas to be white ,or gray in the print are rubbed down so as not to take ink. It was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries to reproduce portraits and other paintings, but became obsolete with the introduction of photo engraving.