Portrait of Velasquez n.d.

Mariano Fortuny Marsal made this etching titled ‘Portrait of Velasquez.’ Fortuny, a Spanish painter, printmaker, and designer, lived during a time of significant social change and artistic innovation in Europe. As you can see in this portrait, he was deeply influenced by the art of the old masters, especially Diego Velázquez. By choosing Velasquez as his subject, Fortuny engages with questions of artistic legacy and national identity. This portrait reflects the reverence for the past, a characteristic shared by many artists during the 19th century. At the same time, the print transforms the traditional portrait through the intimate and graphic nature of the medium. The hazy, soft depiction feels incredibly contemporary, but reminds us to consider the weight of history and the ongoing dialogue between artists across time.