JOSEP M.ª DRAPER | THE LUCK OF THE PIKES (THE PICADOR) | CONTEMPORARY BULLFIGHTING | ORIGINAL ETCHING (30/65)

JOSEP M.ª DRAPER | THE PIQUING OF THE BULL (THE PICADOR) | CONTEMPORARY BULLFIGHTING | ORIGINAL ETCHING (30/65)

The raw power of the pica scene captured in an exceptionally expressive print. A graphic gem of a very limited edition, conceived for purist collectors of bullfighting art.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

The impact of the pica scene

This vibrant intaglio print by the Catalan master Josep M.ª Draper immortalizes one of the most sculptural, complex, and forceful moments of bullfighting: the pica scene. The composition places the imposing, pyramidal figure of the picador on horseback in the center of the arena, holding off the bull's fierce charge with the pica. In the background, Draper masterfully sketches the matadors performing a cape pass, creating a scene of profound spatial depth and narrative tension.

Mastery of chiaroscuro and intaglio incision

Technically, the work is another demonstration of Draper's absolute command of etching. The artist uses a dense network of cross-hatching and energetic shading to detail the heavy textures of the horse's peto, the embroidery of the picador's jacket, and the tensed musculature of the bull. This intense needlework creates powerful chiaroscuro that gives the scene exceptional drama and monumentality, resolving the complexity of equine and taurine anatomy with great ease.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

• Strictly Limited Edition (High Rarity): The immense curatorial appeal of this print lies in its extremely short worldwide run. This is copy number 30 of an edition limited to only 65 copies. This marked scarcity makes it a highly coveted and exclusive asset within bullfighting graphic collecting.

• Compositional Complexity: Unlike individual passes, the inclusion of the horse, the picador, the bull, and the peons in the background gives this print extraordinary visual and narrative richness, making it one of the most ambitious pieces in the series.

• Noble Support and Conservation: The work rests on high-grammage cotton paper that retains its generous gallery margins and noble natural deckle edges. Its impeccable state of conservation, including its original protective tissue paper veil, gives it an undisputed museum quality.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Artist: Josep M.ª Draper.

• Title / Theme: The Piquing of the Bull / The Picador (Contemporary Bullfighting).

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

• Edition / 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. Paper intact, free of oxidation stains, and with perfect intaglio contrast. Retains its original protective tissue paper sheet.

THE WORKSHOP'S NOTE

The great distinguishing value of this etching is how Draper manages to convey the weight and impact of the scene. The crossing of diagonals between the picador's pica and the bull's forehead creates a point of maximum visual tension that instantly captivates the viewer. It is a well-rounded work, bravely executed and technically superb, forming an exceptional pair with "The Pass" for any aficionado of bullfighting.

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