Spanish school (XX) - La suerte de varas

Luck of the Lances (Lances are the term for the lances or spears in bullfighting)

- Author: Spanish School of bullfighting painting (20th century)
- Year or decade of creation: 1970s
- Signature: Signed "MONTALBÁN" in the lower left corner.
- School: Spanish School, bullfighting genre, 20th century
- Style: Impressionism
- Technique: Oil on canvas

Measurements: 59 × 50 cm with frame; 46 × 38 cm the canvas

Artistic description:

Bullfighting-themed painting focused on one of the most intense moments of the corrida: the luck of the lances. The composition captures the encounter between the bull and the picador’s horse, portrayed at close range and surrounded by various figures of the ring and a suggested audience via quick brushstrokes.

The work presents a loose and expressive execution, with abundant paint texture and visible brushstrokes that impart movement and character to the scene. A warm palette predominates, with ochres, earth tones, yellows and golds, contrasted by the intense red of the cape and small chromatic accents in blues, greens and violets.

The painting style is part of the Spanish tradition of 20th-century bullfighting painting, combining folkloric elements with an impressionist-influenced execution. The artist prioritizes capturing movement, light, and the atmosphere of the plaza over a meticulously academic representation.

In the lower left corner appears the signature "MONTALBÁN." On the back of the canvas there is also a handwritten dedication addressed "To my friend Pedro", accompanied by the surname Montalbán, documentary elements of interest shown in the lot photographs, though they do not allow assigning the work to a specific painter with certainty without additional documentation.

The painting is presented in a dark, richly ornamented wooden frame with relief vegetal motifs and a front plaque with the inscription "MONTALBÁN". On the reverse, marks of a picture and molding establishment in Zaragoza can be seen.

Condition report

The work is in generally good condition.

Pictorial layer stable, with the impasto texture typical of the technique used.

No significant losses or invasive restorations are apparent.

It is a piece ready to hang and enjoy without needing intervention.

Shipping management

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The goal is to ensure the work arrives in perfect condition at its destination.

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Framing:

If the frame is specified via photo and record as included, it is attached as part of the sale and given free with the painting; complaints or returns are not accepted in case of transport damage.

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