J. CARBONELL | THE MERMAID AND THE SAILING SHIP (MYTHOLOGY) | STATE PROOF | SEPIA ETCHING

J. CARBONELL | THE MERMAID AND THE SAILING SHIP (MYTHOLOGY) | PROOF | SEPIA ETCHING

The magnetism of classical mythology in its purest state. An exceptional workshop proof printed in warm sepia ink, revealing the original chalcographic process of the matrix before its definitive edition.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

Mythological Lyricism and the Sepia Atmosphere

This splendid original print by Jaume Carbonell immerses us in the evocative universe of maritime mythology. The composition revives the legend of mermaids, presenting a hypnotic female figure with a scaled tail who, emerging from the waves, plays a reed flute. Behind her, silhouetted against a sky traversed by a waning moon, sails an imposing three-masted sailing ship. Carbonell achieves a timeless atmosphere, masterfully enhanced by the choice of sepia inking, which gives the scene the historical patina of ancient navigation maps.

The Anatomy of a Workshop Proof

The immense interest of this piece for graphic scholarship lies in its technical nature. As a Proof or inking trial (a non-commercial copy, without autograph signature or numbering), we are looking at an internal studio working document. It is the raw and honest record of how the artist evaluated the bite of the acid on the copper and the retention of the sepia in the textures of the sea and the sails, allowing the viewer to peek into the creator's "kitchen."

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Documentary Value (Proof): For the strict collector, out-of-series prints possess a special magnetism. They are "living documents" that attest to the physical tests carried out in the intimacy of the workshop, offering a conceptual purity that mass commercial editions lose.

• Thematic and Literary Richness: The figure of the siren enchanting sailors is a powerful visual archetype with Homeric resonances. It is a work of enormous narrative weight, ideal for libraries or collections focused on the reinterpretation of classical myths.

• Gallery Level Preservation: Printed on high-grammage cotton paper, the work maintains museum-grade physical integrity. The depth of the chalcographic impression is perfectly palpable, certifying its entirely artisanal craftsmanship.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Author: Jaume (J.) Carbonell.

• Title / Theme: The Mermaid and the Sailing Ship (Maritime Mythology).

• Technique and Support: Original etching (printed in sepia ink) on high-grammage cotton paper.

• Edition / Cataloging: Proof / Workshop Trial. Studio copy, out of commercial edition (unsigned and unnumbered).

• Dimensions: Support (Paper): Approx. 35 x 28.5 cm | Plate impression: Vertical format.

• Provenance: Technical archive / Studio collection.

• Condition: Excellent. Intact paper, free of oxidation stains, retaining a perfectly defined and textured chalcographic impression.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

Acquiring a workshop proof is owning a print devoid of any commercial artifice. In this proof, the sepia ink speaks for itself, defining with astonishing warmth the scales of the figure and the tension of the sails. It is a work of art designed for the graphic cabinet that not only values the undeniable literary beauty of the scene but demands to understand the physical alchemy and effort hidden in the technique of original engraving.

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.