Artwork
Nicola Cosimo
Nicola Cosimo is an ink print by the Baroque artist John Smith. It dates from 1706 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Smith made this print in 1706 using mezzotint, a way of scratching metal to hold ink.
This is a black-and-white print of a man in a curly wig and fancy coat. His name is Nicola Cosimi, an Italian musician who lived in London.
Smith made this print in 1706 using mezzotint, a way of scratching metal to hold ink. The scratches catch light and shadow, so the face looks soft and alive. Cosimi was a violinist for Queen Anne—Smith probably met him at court. The print was meant to be sold to music lovers, not hung in a palace.
Look up the technique called mezzotint next.
Overview
Nicola Cosimo is a mezzotint print created by John Smith in 1706, depicting the Italian musician Nicola Cosimi.
Subject & Meaning
The print is a portrait of Nicola Cosimi, a violinist who served Queen Anne. It was likely intended for sale to those with an interest in music, rather than for display in a royal setting.
Technique & Style
The mezzotint technique involves roughening a metal plate to varying degrees, allowing it to hold different amounts of ink and produce a range of tonal values, resulting in a soft, detailed representation of Cosimi's likeness.
Artist & collection
