Dios se lo pague a usted (D. 24; H. 25)

Proofs of this etching before letters and before the first edition printed by Delâtre and published in the Gazette des Beaux-Arts, Paris, in 1867, are extremely rare. Harris records only four or five life-time impressions, including one before the addition of the upper border line and the additional work in aquatint and drypoint, and another ten impressions in public collections which he believes to be printed by Delâtre as trial proofs before the edition. He describes these impressions as printed 'On a variety of laid paper. Dark sepia ink.' However, some controversy arises from the fact that at least three impressions have come to light which are printed in black, such as the present one, at least one of which is on 18th century French paper. Furthermore, one of these impressions classified as a posthumous trial proof was acquired by the British Museum as early as 1851. It can therefore not have been printed by Delâtre in preparation of the edition, but might in fact also be a life-time impression.