Paula Varona (1963) - Soirée à Las Ventas

- Oil on canvas. Original canvas. Hand-signed.

- In Paula Varona's oil, the entrance to Las Ventas square unfolds not as a simple provincial scene, but as the very threshold of a pagan temple in full modernity. Among the bustle of the pipe and soda stalls, the crowd gathered beneath the neo-Mudejar arches does not attend a mere mass spectacle, but the pre-liturgical ritual of a collective communion. Those brick arches, cut against the sky on a late afternoon of bullfighting, act as an inverted triumphal arch: an architectural boundary that separates the city’s linear, secular time from the mythical, circular time about to unfold on the arena’s dirt. The painting masterfully captures that suspended moment, the eve of the mystery, where the murmur of people is the choir that precedes tragedy.

Under this light, bullfighting reveals itself with the force of its archaic heritage: the last of the great ancient rituals that survives in the West. While the modern world has sanitized existence and banished mystery, the arena remains that sacred space where man still needs to stage, body to body, the primordial forces of nature, chance, and finitude. Varona’s canvas, by juxtaposing the profane everydayness of street vendors with the monumental grandeur of the square, reminds us that myth has always needed a marketplace on its outskirts; that before the sacred catharsis of sacrifice, the human being has always sought the tribe’s refuge, light conversation, and the late-afternoon glow as the last rational anchor before fully surrendering to the fascination of the sacred.

- Dimensions of the image without frame: 51 x 40 cm / 58 x 49 cm with exclusive custom frame.

At Montbaron Gallery, we are pleased to offer our clients an exclusive selection of artworks, all of them unique, original and unrepeatable. Each piece in our gallery results from deep dedication, a creative vision, and masterful technique—qualities that guarantee its authenticity. The works we sell are not industrial reproductions; they are pieces created individually by recognized artists, each with its own story and essence. Originality is the cornerstone of our commitment to excellence, and therefore every painting or sculpture in our collection is carefully selected to ensure its uniqueness. Acquiring a work from Montbaron Gallery means owning an irreproducible piece, an investment in creativity and talent that, over time, will preserve both its artistic and emotional value. We are proud to offer works that not only beautify spaces but also connect our clients with the richness of human expression through the most authentic art. Thus, we guarantee that every work that leaves our gallery is a one‑of‑a‑kind piece in the world, with no replicas, and a testament to the innovation and passion of the artists we work with.

Certain lots, due to their age and value, require an export permit issued by the Ministry of Culture. Although it is an administrative procedure, it is indispensable to ensure the authenticity of the work and its free international circulation.

Montbaron Gallery is committed to offering its clients original, unique and unrepeatable artworks, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of every piece in our collection. To ensure transparency and trust in every purchase, we offer a digital Guarantee Certificate, signed by a certified art historian. This certificate attests that the purchased work has been authenticated by our experts, who verify its authorship, origin and condition. The Guarantee Certificate includes full details about the piece, such as author, creation date, technique used, and dimensions. The digital Guarantee Certificate will be issued upon the client's request, providing an official reference for the acquired piece. This document will be delivered in digital format and will be signed by an art historian from our gallery, ensuring its validity and backing.

We are dedicated to our clients’ satisfaction and confidence, so any questions about authenticity or the work’s condition will be addressed professionally and diligently. To request your Guarantee Certificate, please contact us through our usual channels.

As art logistics experts, Montbaron Gallery is committed to ensuring that each piece reaches its destination safely and in the best possible condition. To that end, we work with a network of professionals specialized in art transport, who guarantee the utmost care throughout the process. It is important to note that the shipping cost prices indicated in the listing are indicative and subject to change based on various circumstances. These include variations in transport market rates, changes in delivery location, the size and weight of the work, and possible extraordinary circumstances, such as fluctuations in fuel costs or adjustments to customs and import tariffs. The final shipping cost will be calculated precisely based on these factors, and the client will always be informed in advance before proceeding with the shipment. Our aim is to offer the best possible service, adapting to each client’s needs and ensuring the work arrives safely and promptly, with no surprises.

The frame shown in the previous images has been added to the work by a third party or the seller, and is not an integral part of the object. This frame is provided at no additional cost so that, when the work arrives at the customer’s home, it can be exhibited immediately on the wall. Accordingly, no damages to the frame that do not affect the integrity of the work will be accepted as valid grounds to open a claim or request a cancellation.

We invite you to bid with confidence on pieces from our gallery. Each work we offer is original, unique and unrepeatable, selected with maximum care and authenticity. Whether you are seeking a piece to enrich your personal collection or to add exceptional value to your space, Montbaron Gallery offers a secure and transparent platform for you to bid easily and professionally. Art auctions are the perfect place to discover works that could become the heart of your collection. Here, you are not only acquiring art; you are investing in something that will grow in value over time, both aesthetically and culturally. Montbaron Gallery pieces not only reflect the talent of established artists, but also have the power to transform spaces and enrich lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something unique. Bidding on a Montbaron Gallery work is more than a transaction; it is an act of appreciation for art in its purest form. We invite you to bid with passion and join us on this exciting journey of discovery and celebration of art. Your next favorite work is waiting for you!

The descriptions and visual presentations of the artworks included in our catalog have the sole purpose of offering a general, aesthetic and narrative approximation of the pieces that make up Montbaron Gallery’s collection. Art, by its very material nature, may present color nuances or textures that vary with lighting or the user’s screen settings. It is also noted that the indicated dimensions may present slight physical variations inherent to the framing process or the original support. For rigorous consultation, collectors are kindly asked to refer exclusively to the detailed technical sheet accompanying each work, where all technical information, certified measurements and conservation status of the piece are specified.