Mariano Fortuny, “Tangiers, a Group of Men Seated Near an Arch”, circa 1861

Mariano Fortuny (also known as Mariano Fortuny y Marsal) (1838–1874)

“Tangiers, a Group of Men Seated Near an Arch” (also known as “Tánger” or “Arabes Assis”), circa 1861

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on fine buff-coloured laid paper. Rare proof-state impression before the published edition. This early proof state is a scarce example printed before the addition of the published plate number (“17”), title lettering (“Tanger”), and ink-stamped signature seen on the standard edition held by the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1932-0312-105.

Features a historical pencil inscription by an unknown early collector's hand below the platemark: “Arabes accroupis devant une porte. / (première eau-forte de Fortuny.)” (Translated: “Arabs squatting in front of a door / Fortuny's first etching.”).

The impression is richly inked with inky plate edges and strong tonal contrast. The sheet is in pristine, museum quality condition—entirely free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains, or handling marks.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 24.1 x 14.7 cm
• Platemark: 9.6 x 7.1 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Signed within the image borderline at lower right: “Fortuny”

References:

• Vives 17 (Rosa Vives i Piqué, “Fortuny, gravador. Estudi catàleg raonat”, 1994)
• Páez 1981-85: Repertorio de Grabados Españoles en la Biblioteca Nacional (770.19)
• Prado 1992: Museo del Prado, catálogo de estampas (175)
• British Museum: Museum No. 1932,0312.105 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1932-0312-105)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET): Object No. 19.18.16 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/656777)

Price & Shipping:

AU$288 (approx. US$198.76 / €174.51 / £160.90), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this exceptionally rare proof impression capturing an intimate scene of 19th-century Moroccan everyday life—depicting a group of local men clad in traditional hooded djellabas and wrapped headwear conversing before a Moorish horseshoe gateway—please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’m happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected transaction.