FRANCESC ARTIGAU | CHILDREN (1981) | INSTITUTIONAL EDITION (H/C) | ORIGINAL ETCHING

FRANCESC ARTIGAU | CHILDREN (1981) | INSTITUTIONAL EDITION (H/C) | ORIGINAL ETCHING

An exceptional original etching (Hors Commerce) by the Catalan master Francesc Artigau. A print that captures the vitality of childhood through a superb mastery of drawing, linked to the historic patronage of Banca Mas Sardà.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

The dynamism of New Figuration

Francesc Artigau (Barcelona, 1940) stands as a fundamental figure in Catalan New Figuration. In this 1981 composition, the artist distills his characteristic humanist and genre-scene perspective, delving into the universe of childhood. The scene, which seems to portray a drawing workshop or a moment of school play, allows Artigau to explore the dynamism of bodies in motion. Far from seeking a static portrait, the artist imbues each figure with a very particular attitude and physiognomy, achieving a choral work that breathes spontaneity and visual strength.

Visual narrative and the intaglio line

On a technical level, the plate reveals Artigau's mastery in the use of the burin and needle. The artist masterfully plays with contrast: while the faces and arms of the children are rendered with clean, synthetic lines, the visual weight of the composition falls on the central character and the large board he holds, worked with dense and meticulous hatching (cross-hatching). This intertwining of inks creates a resounding volume and spectacular chiaroscuro that demonstrates the author's deep knowledge of the printmaking craft.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Documentary Rarity (H/C Edition): This is an Hors Commerce (Not for Sale) proof. This designation indicates that the print did not belong to the edition intended for public sale, but was strictly reserved for the artist's archive, collaborators, or, in this case, institutional commitments. These are examples of indisputable curatorial purity.

• Patronage and Local History: The incalculable added value of this piece lies in its provenance. During the 1970s and 80s, Banca Mas Sardà exercised elite patronage by commissioning graphic works from the country's best artists. Preserving the original corporate case acts as irrefutable proof of provenance and imbues the work with a valuable historical patina.

• Printing Quality: The execution on high-grammage intaglio paper guarantees optimal saturation of the black inks and allows one to physically appreciate the relief and depth of the press mark.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Author: Francesc Artigau (Barcelona, 1940).

• Title / Theme: Children (Children's scene / Drawing workshop).

• Period: 1981 (Contemporary Art / New Figuration).

• Technique and Support: Original etching on high-grammage intaglio paper.

• Edition / Run: Copy cataloged as H/C (Hors Commerce / Not for sale). Reserve edition.

• Dimensions: Support (Paper): 29 x 33 cm | Plate mark: 21 x 27 cm.

• Signature and Inscriptions: Signed and dated by hand "artigau 81" in the lower right corner. Technical annotation "H/C" in pencil in the lower left corner.

• Provenance: Private collection / Banca Mas Sardà institutional edition.

• Condition: Excellent. The work maintains its structural integrity and includes the original institutional sleeve/folder from the bank.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

The differentiating value of this print is the boldness of its graphic line combined with impeccable provenance. Seeing how Artigau constructs the shadows of the central child's trousers with hundreds of cross-hatching lines is a delight for any lover of classic engraving. This technical purity, embraced by the original folder from Banca Mas Sardà, makes the piece a "living document" of Barcelona's cultural and institutional history.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work comes with an exhaustive research study, technical sheet, and curatorial context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research and known provenance.