J. CARBONELL | THE MERMAID AND THE SAILING SHIP (MYTHOLOGY) | AUTHOR'S PROOF (A.P.) | BANCA MAS SARDÀ EDITION

J. CARBONELL | THE SIREN AND THE SAILING SHIP (MYTHOLOGY) | ARTIST'S PROOF (A.P.) | BANCA MAS SARDÀ EDITION

The sensuality of classical mythology and the exclusivity of the workshop come together in an Artist's Proof with historical pedigree. An intaglio print in sepia ink that retains its institutional provenance intact.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

Maritime lyricism and the warmth of sepia

This splendid graphic work by the artist J. Carbonell immerses us in the evocative universe of maritime mythology. The composition rescues the classic legend of the sirens, presenting us with a hypnotic female figure with a scaled tail who, cradled by the foam of the waves, plays a reed flute. Behind her, a majestic three-masted sailing ship sails under a waning moon. Carbonell resolves the anatomy and volumes with an elegance that refers to the best Mediterranean figurative tradition. The inking in warm sepia monochrome tones gives the print the atmosphere of old navigation maps, accentuating its texture and physical presence.

The status of the Artist's Proof and patronage

In terms of collecting and cataloging, the value of this print is exceptional due to its dual nature. On the one hand, the handwritten "P A" inscription in pencil certifies that we are looking at an Artist's Proof. It is an intimate example, one of the very first prints taken from the matrix by the creator himself, guaranteeing a sharpness of impression far superior to the commercial edition of 295 copies. On the other hand, the piece is intrinsically linked to the historical corporate patronage of the defunct Banca Mas Sardà.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Impeccable Provenance and Pedigree: The work comes with its original typographical sleeve from Banca Mas Sardà (a key entity in Catalan patronage in the 80s). Preserving this institutional packaging not only acts as undeniable proof of origin but also turns the piece into an authentic time capsule of Spanish graphic collecting.

• Editorial Rarity (Not for Commercial Sale): As an Artist's Proof (A.P.), the print is excluded from the standard commercial run. This scarcity positions it as a priority asset for erudite collectors looking to escape mass numbering.

• Gallery-Level Preservation: Printed on high-grammage cotton paper with noble natural deckled edges, the work has been protected for decades by its case. It is presented in impeccable condition, free of oxidation and preserving the warm and deep contrast of the intaglio sepia.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Artist: J. Carbonell.

• Title / Theme: The Siren and the Sailing Ship (Maritime mythology / Classical nude).

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

• Edition / Cataloging: Artist's Proof (A.P.), handwritten in pencil in the lower left margin. Example excluded from the commercial run.

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

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

• Provenance: Original edition commissioned by the art fund of Banca Mas Sardà. Includes the original institutional sleeve.

• Condition: Impeccable. Museum quality. Deep intaglio impression and paper free of oxidation, preserving the perfect contrast from the first day of printing.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

In the contemporary art market, technical excellence must be backed by an undeniable history. This print offers exactly that: the timeless beauty of mythology rendered by Carbonell's expert hand, combined with the purity of an Artist's Proof and the documentary rigor of Banca Mas Sardà. It is a piece of graphic erudition designed to preside over and bring indisputable sophistication to the most demanding libraries and collections.

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