J. Bonallach — Boats at Rest, 1979 — Sepia ink drawing on paper

Boats at Rest is an original drawing signed J. Bonallach and dated August 1979, depicting two small vessels resting by the shore. Executed in sepia-toned ink on paper, the work is notable for the simplicity of its composition, the fluidity of its line, and the serenity of the maritime scene.

The two boats, represented from different angles, appear accompanied by mooring posts and ropes. The artist uses brief lines and horizontal strokes to suggest the water and the surface of the shore, reserving much of the paper as empty space.

The maritime landscape and the synthesis of the drawing

The composition is built from a reduced number of elements. To the left appears a small vessel seen from the front, while the second, located to the right, shows its hull in profile.

The horizontal lines in the background establish a spatial reference, and the irregular strokes surrounding the boats suggest the contact between the water, the land, and the vessels.

The absence of human figures and other narrative elements accentuates the sense of stillness. The drawing seems to focus on a moment of rest, removed from the usual activity of working boats.

The ample, untouched space in the upper half provides luminosity and allows the small maritime motifs to acquire a prominent presence within the whole.

A drawing of spontaneous execution

The technique is characterized by the use of brown or sepia-toned ink, applied with strokes of varying intensity.

The artist uses parallel lines to describe the hulls of the boats and small circular movements to represent the water and the irregularities of the terrain.

This treatment gives the image a spontaneous character, akin to a sketch made from life, where the observation of forms and the speed of execution take on special importance.

The monochromatic range reinforces the unity of the composition and its tranquil atmosphere.

Signature, date, and title

In the lower right corner appears the handwritten signature "J. Bonallach," accompanied by a date corresponding to August 1979.

The reverse of the mount preserves the inscription "BARCAS en Repos," which identifies the title of the composition.

Technical Sheet

• Author: J. Bonallach.

• Title: Boats at rest (Barcas en repos).

• Date: August 1979.

• Technique: Original sepia ink drawing.

• Support: Paper.

• Dimensions: 17.5 × 12.5 cm.

• Signature: "J. Bonallach," handwritten in the lower right corner.

• Inscriptions: Date of August 1979 next to the signature. Title "BARCAS en Repos" handwritten on the reverse of the mount.

• Genre: Marine, coastal landscape.

• Condition: Tones of aging are observed on the perimeter, small brown spots, and marks from a previous mounting. The reverse of the support shows adhesive tape.

The Workshop Note

The main appeal of this small drawing lies in the ability to represent a maritime scene with very few elements. The boats, ropes, and mooring posts are defined through rapid strokes, while the empty upper space provides a sense of calm especially in keeping with the title of the work.

The signature, the 1979 date, and the handwritten inscription on the reverse add documentary interest to this small marine piece, representative of the sensibility of landscape drawing in the second half of the 20th century.