CARBONELL AND PEP ALBANELL | RULL (GIRLS) | COMPLETE PORTFOLIO (5 ETCHINGS) | ORIGINAL ETCHING (39/50)
An undisputed jewel of contemporary bibliophilia. A complete 1985 edition that preserves the unaltered dialogue between Catalan literature and intaglio mastery, printed on Masafumi Yamamoto's mythical presses.
HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS
The indivisible dialogue between literature and engraving
Published in the vibrant Barcelona of March 1985, the "Rull (Noies)" portfolio transcends traditional collecting to offer a complete aesthetic experience. The work safeguards an intimate conversation between the literary prose of renowned Catalan author Pep Albanell and five hypnotic original etchings by artist Carbonell. The visual sequence proposed by the painter is a fascinating narrative journey: it transitions from the silent voyeurism of nudes in interiors, through poetic and mythological lyricism (such as the encounter with the winged horse), to evocative scenes of Mediterranean customs, where two women style their hair against the immensity of the sea.
The technical pinnacle of the Yamamoto workshop
The true historical weight of this edition lies in its impeccable craftsmanship. The five plates were hand-printed in Masafumi Yamamoto's mythical Barcelona workshop. This Japanese master engraver, an irreplaceable figure in understanding intaglio avant-garde in Catalonia in the 80s, brought his legendary oriental meticulousness to the edition. The works of great contemporary art figures passed through his presses, collaborating closely with creators such as Antoni Tàpies, Joan Brossa, and Jaume Plensa. A scrutiny of the prints reveals the profound depth of the metal's impression on the paper and an unusual richness of velvety blacks that only the exact pressure of a true master's press can achieve.
WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?
Conceptual Integrity (Bibliophile Work): In the art market, finding complete period portfolios is a rarity, as they are often disassembled. Preserving the original slipcase, endpapers, and typographic texts that precede each of the five prints allows for experiencing the rhythm of visual and literary reading exactly as it was conceived by its authors.
Strictly Limited Edition: Belonging to a very short run of only 50 copies, this piece corresponds to number 39/50. Each and every one of the five etchings bears Carbonell's autograph signature in pencil and its corresponding numbering, ensuring absolute exclusivity.
Highest Quality Support: All this technical virtuosity rests on a regal support: 250-gram Vélin Arches mould-made paper. Renowned for its unalterable purity, the paper exhibits an immaculate whiteness and retains its noble original deckled edges, the greatest fetish of the purist collector.
TECHNICAL SHEET
Authors: Original texts by Pep Albanell / Original engravings by Carbonell.
Title / Theme: Rull (Noies). Complete portfolio.
Period: March 1985 (Contemporary Art / Bibliophilia).
Technique and Support: 5 original etchings hand-printed on 250 gsm Vélin Arches paper, white (with intact deckled edges).
Dimensions: Support (Paper): 44 x 32 cm | Plate mark: 24.5 x 30 cm (approx. per print).
Signature and Inscriptions: All 5 etchings are signed and numbered in pencil (39/50) by Carbonell in the lower margins.
Provenance: Workshop of master printer Masafumi Yamamoto (Barcelona).
Complete Content: Original container portfolio, endpapers, typographic texts by Pep Albanell, and 5 original etchings.
Condition: Excellent. Optimal preservation, museum quality. No moisture damage, foxing, or creases, maintaining the original purity of the edition.
THE WORKSHOP'S NOTE
The immense value of this portfolio is its ability to stop time. Opening the original slipcase, running hands over the texture of the Arches paper, and alternating reading the classic typography with contemplating Carbonell's profound chiaroscuros, is an act of devotion to art. A major, complete work of impeccable technical execution, designed to crown the most demanding libraries and graphic collections.
Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is accompanied by an exhaustive research study, technical sheet, and curatorial context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research and known provenance.
