RICARD CALVO DURAN | ITALIAN COSTUMBRISM ​​IN ASSISI | URBAN ILLUSTRATION | MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER

RICARD CALVO DURAN | ITALIAN COSTUMBRISM ​​IN ASSISI | URBAN ILLUSTRATION | MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER

A delightful contrast between the spirituality of sacred architecture and the vibrant everyday life on two wheels.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

The Sacred and the Mundane. Created in 1990, this work by Ricard Calvo Duran captures the soul of Italy better than any tourist photograph. The artist places us before the imposing Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi , one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. However, far from solemnizing the scene, Calvo Duran introduces an element of irresistible humor and humanity: a nun riding a classic Vespa in the foreground. It is an image that encapsulates the ecclesiastical "dolce vita," where age-old tradition coexists with practical modernity.

Visual Analysis: Precision and Atmosphere The piece stands out for its "clear line" style, very close to high-quality editorial illustration.

• The Architecture: The ink drawing is rigorous, capturing in detail the Gothic and Romanesque structure of the complex, from the bell tower to the lower arches.

• Color: The artist uses a bold palette. The sky is not light blue, but a deep blue that sets off the cream-colored stone silhouette of the basilica, creating an almost theatrical drama.

• The Narrative: The composition guides the eye from the monumental background to the anecdotal foreground. The vintage cars (late 1980s) parked and the groups of friars walking provide a fascinating temporal and sociological context.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY?

• Iconic Theme: The combination of a nun and a Vespa is an Italian cultural icon. It's a work that generates immediate sympathy and works as an excellent visual icebreaker.

• Decorative Aesthetics: The contrast between the intense blue of the sky and the earth tones of the floor makes it a very eye-catching piece, ideal for adding character to a hallway, a study or an Italian-themed collection.

• Quality Framing: It is presented with a dark wood frame with a wide profile and a light passe-partout that gives air to the work and enhances the luminosity of the mixed technique.

• Record of the Era: Beyond the artistic, it is a visual document of the aesthetics of the 90s in Italy, capturing a specific moment in time.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Author: Ricard Calvo Duran (Signed "Calvoduran").

• Title / Subject: Scene in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

• Year/Period: 1990 (Dated next to the signature).

• Technique and Support: Mixed media on paper.

• Dimensions: Artwork: 32 x 39 cm | Frame: 53.5 x 60.5 x 5 cm.

• Signature: Handwritten in ink in the lower right corner, with the location "Assisi".

• Provenance: Private collection.

• Condition: Excellent. Vibrant colors and paper in perfect condition.

• Inspection Guarantee: 14-day money-back guarantee to inspect the work in person.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

Calvo Duran had a special eye for finding humanity within monumentality. I chose this piece for the catalog because it breaks with the usual seriousness of religious or architectural art. It's fresh, it's fun, and it's executed with enviable technical skill. Perfect for those who love Italy but shy away from boring clichés.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is delivered accompanied by a technical sheet and historical context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research.