JORDI PAGANS MONTSALVATGE | SARDANAS EN BARCELONA (MULTICOLOR VARIANT) | MASTER OF LYRICAL VIBRATION | HAND-COLORED ETCHING

JORDI PAGANS MONTSALVATGE | SARDANAS IN BARCELONA (MULTICOLOR VARIANT) | MASTER OF LYRICAL VIBRATION | HAND-ILLUMINATED ETCHING

An exceptional hand-illuminated original graphic work that captures the traditional dance of Catalonia against Barcelona's historical architecture. A print of great dynamism and anthropological value that merges local customs with contemporary lyrical vibration.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

Mastery of the Customary Scene and Lyrical Expression

Jordi Pagans i Montsalvatge (Barcelona, 1932 - 2017), an indispensable figure for understanding the evolution of Catalan lyrical figuration, delves into the heart of his land's cultural identity in this work. The artist transports us to a historic square where a sardana is being danced, masterfully capturing the duality of this dance: the shared energy of the dancers in a circle and the solemn presence of the cobla (the traditional orchestra) elevated in the background. Far from offering a static customary scene, Pagans imbues the scene with an undeniable internal rhythm, where the robust classical architecture in the background acts as a resonating chamber for human movement.

Visual Narrative and Workshop Intervention

Technically, the plate is an exhibition of the artist's purest and most vibrant etching. The agile line defines both the ashlar of the facade and the architectural ornaments, as well as the fluidity of the skirts and bodies in motion. However, the true magic of this piece lies in its rich hand-illumination. The artist has applied a multicolor palette using selective touches of watercolor: vibrant blues, yellows, and oranges in the dancers' clothing, delicate pink washes on the stone of the facade, and the unmistakable red in the traditional barretinas of the musicians.

On the right margin of the work, the handwritten pencil signature "PAGANS", drawn vertically, authenticates and certifies this piece directly from the printing press.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Unique Piece Character: The multicolor manual intervention with watercolor transforms this edition etching into an absolutely singular pictorial work. The festive palette chosen by the master for this specific piece ensures that no other identical one exists.

• Anthropological and Cultural Testimony: Beyond its technical skill, the print is a beautiful visual document of Catalan traditions. The depiction of the sardana and the cobla gives it a cultural and historical weight that transcends the merely decorative.

• Aesthetic Potential and Authenticity: Printed on high-quality paper with natural deckled edges, the work exhibits a deep impression mark. The vitality of its colors brings light and dynamism, making it a perfect central piece for contemporary collections with cultural roots.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Artist: Jordi Pagans i Montsalvatge (Barcelona, 1932 - 2017).

• Title / Theme: Sardanas in Barcelona (Catalan customs scene).

• Period: Contemporary Art (Catalan lyrical figuration).

• Technique and Support: Original hand-illuminated etching (multicolor watercolor) on high-quality art paper with natural deckled edges.

• Dimensions: Support (Paper): 36 x 29 cm | Plate impression: 27 x 20 cm.

• Signature and Inscriptions: Hand-signed "PAGANS" in pencil vertically on the right margin.

• Provenance: Private collection / Workshop archive.

• Condition: Very good. Intact support with clean margins and watercolor pigments that retain all their original vibrancy and intensity.

THE WORKSHOP'S NOTE

The differentiating value of this scene lies in the visual joy that Pagans achieves through watercolor. Unlike other more sober proofs from the same plate, here the artist has chosen to illuminate the composition with a chromatic range that conveys the authentic festive atmosphere of the sardana. The blue and yellow dresses guide the viewer's gaze around the dance circle, creating a work full of light, musicality, and vital celebration.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is delivered with a comprehensive research study, technical data sheet, and curatorial context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research and the known provenance.