J. CARBONELL | THE MERMAID AND THE SAILING SHIP (MARITIME MYTHOLOGY) | ARTIST'S PROOF (A.P.) | SEPIA ETCHING

J. CARBONELL | THE MERMAID AND THE SAILING SHIP (MARITIME MYTHOLOGY) | ARTIST'S PROOF (P.A.) | SEPIA ETCHING

The magnetism of classical mythology captured in an immaculate Artist's Proof. A gallery-level print stamped in warm sepia ink, preserved in pristine condition.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

Mythological lyricism and sepia atmosphere

This splendid graphic work by the artist J. Carbonell immerses us fully in the evocative universe of maritime mythology. The composition revives the classical legend of mermaids, presenting a hypnotic female figure with a fish tail who, swayed by the waves, plays a reed flute. Behind her, silhouetted against a cloud-streaked sky and a waning moon, sails an imposing three-masted ship. Carbonell achieves a dreamlike and timeless atmosphere, greatly enhanced by the technical choice of sepia inking, which gives the print the warmth and mystery of ancient logbooks and historical navigation maps.

The unshakable status of the Artist's Proof (P.A.)

The high documentary value of this piece lies in its dual nature. On the one hand, the handwritten inscription "P A" in pencil in the lower left corner certifies that this is an Artist's Proof, an exclusive and intimate example that the master engraver reserved for his personal archive, placing it outside the commercial edition. This assures the collector of possessing one of the sharpest, earliest, and purest prints from the copper matrix.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Thematic and Literary Richness: The figure of the siren enchanting sailors is a powerful visual archetype that refers directly to Homer's Odyssey. It is a work of immense narrative weight, ideal for collectors fascinated by the sea, classical literature, and mythology.

• Editorial Rarity (Not for Commercial Sale): Acquiring an Artist's Proof means entering the creator's inner circle. Its restricted nature makes it a priority object of desire for scholars looking to escape ordinary mass numbering.

• Gallery-Level Preservation: For the strict collector, preservation is as vital as the autograph signature. This work has reached us in museum condition, retaining its original protective veil. This ensures that the rich sepia ink and heavy-weight cotton paper maintain their vibrancy and purity intact, free from oxidation.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Artist: J. Carbonell.

• Title / Theme: The Mermaid and the Sailing Ship / Maritime mythology.

• Technique and Medium: Original etching (printed in sepia ink) on heavy-weight cotton paper with natural deckled edges.

• Edition / Cataloging: Artist's Proof (P.A.), indicated in pencil in the artist's own hand in the lower left margin. An example excluded from the standard commercial edition.

• Signature and Inscriptions: Hand-signed in pencil "J. Carbonell" in the lower right margin.

• Dimensions: Support (Paper): Approx. 35 x 28.5 cm.

• Provenance: Private collection / Artist's archive.

• Condition: Very Good / Gallery condition. Clean paper, no oxidation, retaining the exact contrast and warmth of the sepia.

THE WORKSHOP'S NOTE

In the art market, thematic content often defines the magnetism of a work. This print transcends simple anatomical study to tell us a profound story about the sea and its legends. The clarity with which the sepia ink defines the scales of the figure and the sails of the ship demonstrates the level of excellence of an authentic Artist's Proof. It is the perfect piece to provide intellectual and historical sophistication to high-end libraries, offices, or graphic cabinets.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work comes with an exhaustive research study, technical sheet, and curatorial context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research and known provenance.