J. Bonellach — Santana Cloister, 1979 — ink on paper

Architectural view of a cloister, signed J. Bonellach, depicting an arcaded gallery opening onto an interior courtyard with vegetation. The composition is executed in black ink, through meticulous line work, hatching, and contrasts that allow for the description of architectural elements and the creation of a marked sense of depth.

On the reverse is the handwritten inscription "Claustro Santana", accompanied by the date May 3, 1979.

The cloister and its architecture

The scene is viewed from inside a covered gallery. In the foreground, several cylindrical columns rise, resting on molded bases and topped by capitals with abundant vegetal ornamentation.

Above them rests a succession of arches and vaulted surfaces that occupy a good part of the upper area of the composition. The perspective of the columns draws the eye toward the courtyard, where a stone wall, small architectural openings, and various plants appear.

A tree crosses the scene diagonally, introducing a natural element that contrasts with the geometry of the supports and walls. Potted plants and vegetation complete the representation of the interior space.

The inscription on the reverse identifies the scene as Claustro Santana, although the building's location could not be established with certainty.

Ink drawing and the treatment of light

The composition stands out for its use of parallel and cross-hatching to construct architectural volumes.

The columns feature progressive shading that accentuates their cylindrical form, while the capitals are worked with more irregular lines that describe their ornamental motifs.

The upper areas of the gallery concentrate the darkest ink spots, creating a contrast with the illuminated courtyard. This distribution of light and shadow allows for the distinction of different planes and reinforces the depth of the composition.

The pavement, ashlar blocks, and vegetal elements receive differentiated graphic treatments, showing special attention to the textures of each surface.

Authorship and inscriptions

The work bears the signature "J. Bonellach" in the lower margin of the composition.

The full name or artistic trajectory of the signatory could not be documented.

The reverse retains the annotation "Claustro Santana," followed by "3-5-79."

Technical Sheet

• Author: J. Bonellach.

• Title: Claustro Santana, according to the inscription on the reverse.

• Chronology: 20th century. Inscription dated May 3, 1979.

• Technique: Black ink on paper.

• Support: Paper mounted on a secondary support.

• Dimensions: 24 × 19.5 cm.

• Signature: "J. Bonellach," in the lower area of the composition.

• Inscriptions: "Claustro Santana" and "3-5-79," handwritten on the reverse.

• Subject: Historical architecture, cloister, and interior courtyard.

• State of conservation: The support shows abundant spots of oxidation and aging, especially visible around the image. Remnants of adhesive and signs of a previous mounting are observed. The composition maintains good legibility, with the architectural details clearly discernible.

• Observations: The geographic identification of the cloister and the artist's trajectory could not be documented.

Workshop Note

The interest of this composition lies especially in the treatment of the architecture. The ink hatching precisely describes the shafts and capitals, while the arrangement of the columns creates depth. The contrast between the dark gallery and the vegetation in the courtyard provides balance to the scene.