Mezzotint is an engraving technique that originated in the 17th Century and is the oldest way to achieve tones in printmaking.  The artist works directly on a copper plate – beginning with a tool called a “rocker” which he uses to create pits in the plate.  This is done by rocking the tool back and forth with consistent pressure until the whole surface is evenly pitted.  If the plate were inked and a print pulled at this point the image would come through as a solid, velvety black.  The artist then uses burnishing tools to smooth out the pits wherever he wants light in the images.  The burnished areas will hold less ink than the deeply pitted areas.  Once the plate is prepared, the plate is inked, excess ink is wiped away and it is pulled through a press with damp paper to create the finished print.