After Diego Velázquez, The God Mars, Etching, Late 19th Century

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Etching on laid paper, late 19th Century. Sheet with full margins, unframed. A finely executed reproductive etching after Velázquez’s celebrated … Read more Etching on laid paper, late 19th Century. Sheet with full margins, unframed. A finely executed reproductive etching after Velázquez’s celebrated painting Mars (Museo del Prado), depicting the god of war seated in a contemplative, almost melancholic pose. The figure is shown nude but for a helmet and drapery, his muscular body rendered with great sensitivity through dense cross-hatching and subtle modulation of light and shadow. The print captures the distinctive realism and psychological depth of Velázquez’s original, emphasizing the quiet humanity of the subject rather than heroic grandeur. The handling of anatomy, particularly in the torso and legs, reflects academic draftsmanship, while the dark, textured background enhances the sculptural presence of the figure. Printed on laid paper with visible plate tone and strong, even inking. The impression shows careful wiping, contributing to the atmospheric depth of the composition. Minor age-related toning and scattered foxing to the margins, consistent with age; the image itself remains well preserved. This work belongs to the long tradition of high-quality reproductive prints made after Old Master paintings, intended for collectors and students of art. Such prints played an important role in disseminating knowledge of Velázquez’s oeuvre beyond Spain and remain highly appreciated for their technical refinement and historical interest. Condition: Generally good, with light foxing and handling marks mostly confined to the margins; no major losses or repairs observed. See less