Edwards was one of the few printmakers specializing in color mezzotint, an extremely labor-intensive graphic technique that involved printing prints from copper plates prepared to produce rich tonal transitions and deep colors. Importantly, Edwards printed color without the use of offset or lithography, using traditional painterly methods - colors were applied directly to the plate and then each print was retouched by hand. This gave his work a reputation for being almost painterly and extremely exclusive.
His favorite motifs were portraits of women and reproductions of famous works of European painting - especially artists of the Italian and Flemish Renaissance (Botticelli, Raphael, Van Dyck). He often created based on paintings in museum collections (including the National Gallery, the Louvre, the Prado). Edwards' works were aimed at wealthy collectors, art lovers and institutions.
He exhibited in New York and Philadelphia, among other places. He collaborated with renowned galleries such as Louis Katz Art Galleries (308 Columbus Ave., NY). In the US, he earned a reputation as one of the most prominent reproducers of the era. 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 museum collections and private collections around the world. They often appear at antiquarian and bibliophilic auctions - prized for their perfect technique, elegance and historical documentary value.
