Ramón Hernández | La Faena: Gestural Tauromachy | Original Ink dedicated to Santiago de Les

The strength of the stroke and the tension of the bullring. A masterful sketch bordering on abstraction, personally dedicated to the painter Santiago de Les.

History and Curatorial Analysis

The dynamism of the wash and negative space

This original work by Ramón Hernández stands out for its extraordinary economy of means and resounding plastic expressiveness. Moving away from static and traditional bullfighting prints, the artist captures all the dramatic tension and movement of a pass (probably a pass of the chest) using only the contrast of black and white. The technique is masterful: Hernández applies the brush heavily loaded with ink to define the areas of deep shadow —the anatomy of the bull and the bullfighter's jacket— and uses the white of the paper (negative space) to brilliantly suggest the light and volume of the cape. The result is a quickly executed, agile drawing of undeniable modernity.

A biographical document: the gift between creators

Beyond its obvious technical quality, the great historical and curatorial value of this piece lies in its handwritten dedication: "To the marvelous artist Santiago de Les, providential genius, of the precious art of fine rendering. With all admiration, Ramón Hernández." Santiago de Les was a renowned Valencian painter (1898-1961), which makes this drawing a direct testimony of the camaraderie, respect, and connection between artists of the era. This provenance elevates the work, transforming it from a simple studio sketch into a unique biographical document.

Why this piece is an opportunity for your collection?

• Historical Provenance ("From Artist to Artist"): In the art market, works dedicated between creators possess a special aura and very high demand. We know with certainty that it was a personal gift, conceived and chosen specifically to satisfy the critical eye of another renowned painter.

• Modernity and Expressive Force: Its aesthetic, which flirts with gestural abstraction and expressionism, moves it away from genre clichés. It is a visually powerful piece that fits perfectly in contemporary interiors, offices, or minimalist design spaces that seek strong black and white contrasts.

• The Niche of Bullfighting Art: Bullfighting collecting is one of the most loyal and demanding. Expert collectors do not look for mass reproductions, but for pieces with "soul" and real movement; qualities that this wash possesses outstandingly.

Technical Data Sheet

• Artist: Ramón Hernández (Spanish School of the 20th century).

• Title / Theme: La Faena (Bullfighting Pass) / Bullfighting and gestural portrait.

• Technique: Original drawing in India ink and wash.

• Support: Drawing paper.

• Dimensions: 30 x 44.5 cm.

• Inscriptions: Signed "Ramón Hernández" and dedicated by his own hand in the central right area.

• Style / Movement: Figurative Expressionism / Avant-garde Art.

• Provenance: Private Collection (linked to the direct circle of the painter Santiago de Les).

• Condition: Good. The support shows a slight toasted tone and faint oxidation stains (foxing) characteristic of its age. It has small thumbtack perforations in the corners, a detail that attests to its authentic nature as a studio sketch nailed to the drawing board, adding character to the piece.

''The Studio Note''

The value of a work of art multiplies when it tells an intimate story. This sketch is not just the representation of a bullfighting pass; it is the testimony of a deep admiration between two geniuses of the brush. Ramón Hernández demonstrates here that mastering drawing is not about tracing every detail, but about knowing exactly what to omit. It is a strategic acquisition for those who value documented provenance, technical fluidity, and the unique character of original works on paper.

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