Salvator Rosa (Naples, 1615 – Rome, 1673). Warrior with Mace and Shield. Engraving, circa 1650–1652.

Salvator Rosa (Naples, 20 July 1615 – Rome, 15 March 1673)

Warrior with Mace and Shield

Etching and engraving, circa 1650–1652

Second state (final)

Size: 14 × 9.5 cm

Original etching signed in the plate “S.R.”, part of the Figurine series executed by Salvator Rosa during his Florentine period and the early years in Rome. The subject represents a standing warrior holding a mace and a shield, rendered with a firm and incisive line, combining naturalism with an austere sense of monumentality.

This plate belongs to the group of etchings created for the circle of writers and collectors Rosa frequented in Florence, including Carlo Rubbi and Lorenzo Lippi, members of the Accademia dei Percossi. Within this intellectual and independent milieu, the artist developed an essential and reflective graphic language where line becomes an instrument of both freedom and philosophical inquiry.

The sheet is printed on 17th-century Italian laid paper, with chain lines spaced about 3.2 cm apart, compact fibre structure and a warm ivory tone. The paper shows dense and even pulp typical of Italian production, without modern sizing. The impression is crisp and uniform, indicating a genuine 17th-century printing.

The clarity of the stroke, the fully legible monogram, and the absence of plate wear confirm that this example corresponds to the second (final) state, printed from the original plate. Later 18th-century impressions, by contrast, appear lighter in tone and show worn lines on thinner paper.

A fine and well-preserved impression, trimmed close to the platemark with minor natural toning of the sheet.