Samuel Arlent Edwards (1861–1938) – British printmaker, known primarily as a master of color mezzotint. Born in England, he spent most of his career in the United States, where he gained immense popularity at the turn of the 20th century.
Edwards was one of the few printmakers specializing in color mezzotint—a labor-intensive printmaking technique that involved printing prints from copper plates, prepared to achieve rich tonal gradations and deep hues. Crucially, Edwards printed color without offset or lithography, using traditional painting methods—colors were applied directly to the plate and each print was then retouched by hand. This earned his work a reputation for being almost painterly and exceptionally exquisite.
His favorite subjects were portraits of women and reproductions of famous European paintings, particularly those of the Italian and Flemish Renaissance (Botticelli, Raphael, Van Dyck). He often based his work on paintings in museum collections (including the National Gallery, the Louvre, and the Prado). Edwards's works were aimed at wealthy collectors, art lovers, and institutions.
He exhibited in New York and Philadelphia, among other cities, and collaborated with renowned galleries such as Louis Katz Art Galleries (308 Columbus Ave., NY). In the United States, he earned a reputation as one of the era's foremost reproducers. His works were sold as luxury collector's editions in limited editions.
Today, Samuel Arlent Edwards is considered one of the last masters of traditional color mezzotint. His works are found in museums and private collections worldwide. They frequently appear at antiquarian and bibliophile auctions, prized for their impeccable craftsmanship, elegance, and historical documentary value.
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