Abraham Blooteling

Abraham Blooteling (Bloteling) (1640–1690) was a Dutch engraver, draughtsman, and print publisher associated with 69 known portrait prints. A student of Van Dalen, Blooteling was renowned for his portrait engravings but is best remembered for his pioneering role in the development of mezzotint. He is credited with inventing the rocker, the essential tool for creating the mezzotint ground. Blooteling introduced the technique to England, where it was embraced with such enthusiasm and refinement that it later became known as the "English manner."