Joan Agustí i Rodó — Medieval street with steps, 1984, drawing on paper

Drawing signed and dated 1984 by Joan Agustí i Rodó (Terrassa, 1930), depicting a picturesque corner of traditional Catalan architecture. A sloping street is flanked by old stone buildings, balconies, wooden doors and small flights of steps that form a distinctly historic urban setting.

The artist builds the scene through a descending perspective that leads the eye from the foreground towards the small figures at the far end of the street. On the right, steps lead to a wooden door beneath a stone arch, while a small tiled-roof building in the centre introduces an engaging interplay of volumes and overlapping planes. The façades, rendered through an elaborate network of lines, retain many details of their traditional architecture, from irregular stone blocks to projecting balconies and small windows.

The work stands out for the richness of its drawing and the precision with which different architectural textures are represented. Crossed lines and shading distinguish illuminated walls from areas of shadow, while the figures, reduced to small silhouettes, provide scale and a discreet everyday dimension.

The result is a composition of considerable spatial depth, representative of the artist’s interest in historic corners, vernacular architecture and urban memory.

About the artist

Joan Agustí i Rodó (Terrassa, 1930) was a Catalan draughtsman trained in artistic drawing at the Escola d’Arts i Oficis in Terrassa.

After an initial professional period in mechanical work, he devoted himself to drawing, developing a body of work centred particularly on urban landscapes, historic buildings and architectural ensembles.

According to biographical documentation from his lifetime, he took part in approximately twenty exhibitions, several held in Argentina, and received various awards in art competitions during the 1960s and 1970s.

His work has documented representation at the Museo de Bellas Artes Juan B. Castagnino in Rosario, which holds his Calle del Obispo Irurita, dated 1979.

Technical details

• Artist: Joan Agustí i Rodó (Terrassa, 1930).
• Descriptive title: Medieval street with steps.
• Technique: Drawing, probably ink and charcoal.
• Support: Paper.
• Period: 1984.
• Work dimensions: Please enquire — medium format.
• Framed dimensions: Please enquire — medium format.
• Signature and date: Signed “J. Agustí” and dated 1984 in the lower left corner.
• Condition: The paper shows slight age toning. No significant tears or obvious losses in the composition are discernible. Frame with minor signs of handling.
• Presentation: Framed under glass, with a broad grey mount and a frame with a metallic finish.

The Taller Note

This work is an engaging example of Joan Agustí i Rodó’s dedication to architectural drawing. We particularly highlight the complexity of its perspective, the meticulous treatment of stone and the way the different buildings form a balanced composition filled with small details.

The steps, small rooftops and balconies organise the depth of the street. The contrast between shaded walls and light surfaces distinguishes the various planes without disrupting the continuity of the whole.