Bernard Lens II

Bernard Lens II (1659–1725) was an English engraver, pioneer of mezzotint technique, and publisher.

[2] The art of Bernard Lens II, largely confined to developing mezzotint technique is an example of a general trend of hist age, when "issues of tonality, if not colour, were developing away from the etching's dependence on line".

[1] Salaman noted Lens for his "practically unique"[3] insights into capabilities of mezzotint in rendering artificial light, evidenced by his series of Fireworks.

[1][3] These prints, commemorating the victories of the Williamite War in Ireland, were "the essential component of representational amplification in politics" of the period.

Father and son collaborated on joint projects, for example during the 1710 tour of Native American chiefs to England.