The signature “Fortuny / R. 1869” is a known and documented inscription used by the renowned Spanish painter Mariano Fortuny y Marsal (1838–1874).

This particular signature appears in works by Fortuny such as “A Moroccan,” which is in the collection of the Prado Museum, and in a watercolor titled “Don Quijote,” which is part of the collection of the Walters Art Museum. It has also been seen in prints based on his works, such as “A Gentleman of Gouda.”

• Context: The “R” in the signature refers to the city of Rome, where Fortuny worked and dated some of his works during that period.