In which process does the artist smooth non-image areas of the print plate?

Mezzotint is a printmaking technique that allows for the creation of rich, tonal variations by creating a textured surface on the plate. In this process, the artist works primarily by smoothing non-image areas of the plate, which involves the use of a tool called a "rocker." As the artist rocks this tool back and forth across the plate, it creates a series of tiny, rounded burrs. The technique is distinguished by its capacity to produce deep, velvety blacks and subtle gradations of tone, making it particularly effective for detailed portraits and landscapes.

The smoothing of non-image areas is critical in mezzotint because it ensures that only the desired parts of the plate will hold ink. The areas that are smoothed down will not print, allowing the artist to control light and shadow effectively in the final print. This emphasis on tonal quality is what separates mezzotint from other printing methods. In contrast, options like relief sculpture or aquatint involve differing processes and philosophies regarding how images are created and finalized.