Attributed to Ricard Opisso | Genre Scene "The Encounter" | Ink and Watercolor

A clash of two worlds captured with satirical brilliance and masterful strokes. A historical graphic document where the sharp dissection of society of its time is presented in a cabinet format with exceptional mounting.

History and Curatorial Analysis

The scrutiny of modernity Ricard Opisso (1880-1966) was a fundamental figure for understanding the graphic evolution of Catalonia. Trained in Gaudí's workshop and seasoned in the tertulias of Els Quatre Gats, he knew how to distill the essence of an era of profound social transformations. This piece, attributed to his hand due to solid stylistic, technical, and thematic similarities, functions as a first-rate sociological document. It presents that sharp gaze, capable of synthesizing with ink and water the psychology of an entire country, characteristic of the best historical illustration publications.

The collision of two Catalonias The scene poses a perfect narrative contrast, resolved with the unmistakable black, continuous, and dynamic line associated with the author's orbit. On one side, the figure of the urban bourgeois: with rounded volumes, neat clothes, and a static attitude, delicately holding his jacket. In front of him, the peasant: lean, wiry, wearing the traditional red barretina and mended trousers.

The visual dialogue is fascinating, built on deeply humanist humor rather than drama. The drop of sweat on the peasant's forehead contrasts with the haughtiness on the face of the city man. The subtle watercolor washes do not compete with the drawing but embrace it, giving the scene depth and atmosphere.

Exceptional mounting What elevates this piece to a highly particular collector's item is its support. It is not conceived on loose paper but is organically mounted on a dark leather base. This material decision gives it an almost artisanal, tactile, and definitive character. The paper presents a natural and imperfect undulation, a result of time and manual mounting, providing a "patina of life" that speaks directly of meticulous workshop work.

Why is this piece an opportunity for your collection?

• The Essence of Costumbrismo: Acquiring a scene where the contrast of classes is resolved with such brilliance and charm means incorporating into the collection a fundamental visual archetype of Catalan modernity.

• Transparency and Market History: The work of Ricard Opisso is a pillar in collecting, with a presence in institutions such as the MNAC. This piece has a documented auction history (previous bid of €800), offering a real metric of its solidity in the secondary market. Its rigorous cataloging as an attributed work, based on the inscription and technique, allows for an intelligent acquisition at a highly competitive value.

• Cabinet Format: Its contained dimensions make it a tactile and intimate piece, forcing the viewer to get closer to enjoy the irony of the strokes and the fluidity of the ink.

Technical Data

• Author: Attributed to Ricard Opisso i Sala (1880 - 1966).

• Title / Theme: Scene of Customs (The Encounter).

• Period: First half of the 20th century.

• Technique and Support: Black ink and period watercolor on paper, mounted on leather support.

• Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 cm (artwork dimensions).

• Signature and Inscriptions: Features the inscription "Opisso" in the lower right corner.

• Provenance: Private collection (with auction bid history).

• Condition: Good. Presents a very attractive period patina and an organic undulation of the paper due to manual mounting on leather. Vivid and stable colors.

The Workshop's Note

What stands out most about this piece when holding it is how much it manages to convey with so little. Upon closer inspection of the details—the patches on the peasant's trousers or the heaviness with which the bourgeois's shoes tread—it becomes evident that not a single line was drawn at random. The leather support gives it a surprising physical and visual weight; it transforms a humorous sketch into a solemn object. It is a small historical gem for the collector who values technical rigor and the charm of a scene that always manages to bring a smile.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is delivered with an exhaustive research study, technical sheet, and historical context, prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying the stylistic argument of the attribution and known provenance.