JOSEP M.ª DRAPER | THE THROW (THE TASK) | CONTEMPORARY BULLFIGHTING | ORIGINAL ETCHING (30/65)

JOSEP M.ª DRAPER | THE PASS (THE PERFORMANCE) | CONTEMPORARY BULLFIGHTING | ORIGINAL ETCHING (30/65)

A moment of maximum tension and climax in the bullring captured with exceptional expressive force. A graphic gem of very limited edition conceived for the purist collecting of bullfighting art.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

The dynamism of the bullfight and the strength of the line

This striking chalcographic print by the Catalan master Josep M.ª Draper immortalizes the moment of greatest proximity, beauty, and risk in the bullring: the faena (the performance). The composition, of tremendous dynamic tension, shows the bullfighter challenging the bull and executing a close pass. Draper avoids statism to focus on the pure energy of movement, achieving a superb contrast between the elegant verticality and composure of the bullfighter against the raw strength and horizontal thrust of the animal in the foreground.

The mastery of chalcographic cross-hatching

Technically, the work is an exhibition of drawing mastery on metal. Draper's virtuosity with the needle is evident in the dense and expressive network of cross-hatching that sculpts the volume, musculature, and bravery of the bull. This network of energetic strokes traps the ink, creating deep and dramatic blacks that give the print spectacular chiaroscuro and undeniable visual rhythm.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Strictly Limited Edition (High Rarity): The great documentary appeal of this print lies in its very short worldwide edition. We are looking at copy number 30 of a strictly limited edition of only 65 copies. This editorial scarcity makes it a highly coveted piece within graphic bullfighting collecting.

• Printing Quality: The press pressure has left a deep and perfectly defined plate mark, demonstrating a clean print that allows appreciation of every last stroke of the artist's needle.

• Noble Support: The work rests on high-grammage cotton paper that retains its generous gallery margins and its noble natural deckle edges. Its impeccable state of conservation, free of oxidation, gives it museum quality.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

• Author: Josep M.ª Draper.

• Title / Theme: The Pass / The Performance (Contemporary Bullfighting).

• Technique and Support: Original etching on high-grammage cotton paper with natural deckle edges.

• Edition / Print Run: Worldwide limited edition of 65 copies. Copy 30 / 65.

• Dimensions: Support (Paper): 35 x 28.5 cm | Plate mark: 12.5 x 16 cm.

• Signature and Inscriptions: Numbered "30/65" in pencil in the lower left corner and hand-signed "Draper" in the lower right corner.

• Provenance: Gallery stock / Private collection.

• Condition: Excellent. Museum quality. Intact paper, free of oxidation stains, and with perfect chalcographic contrast.

THE WORKSHOP'S NOTE

The distinguishing value of this etching is its ability to convey the sound and fury of the bullring through the austerity of black and white. Draper does not need color to make us feel the weight of the bull or the concentration of the bullfighter; the raw and rapid incision of the needle on the metal is enough. It is a brave print, with a nervous line and impeccable execution.

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