Benjamín Palencia (1894–1980) - Pescadores

Benjamin Palencia (1894–1980)
Fishermen, 1962
Ink drawing on paper. Signed and dated 1962.

Interesting drawing by Benjamín Palencia (Barrax, Albacete, 1894 – Madrid, 1980), one of the prominent figures of the Spanish artistic renewal of the 20th century and closely related to the Vallecas School. The Reina Sofía Museum preserves a wide representation of his work —111 pieces according to its online catalog— and highlights both his stay in Paris and his role in the formulation of the Vallecas School and in the renewal of Spanish landscape and figuration.

The present work, signed and dated 1962, depicts a group of fishermen gathered in a boat. The figures are engaged in different tasks, surrounded by rigging, ropes and elements typical of fishing activity, while in the background extends a broad maritime landscape defined by a mountainous coastline.

Palencia builds the scene with an energetic, spontaneous drawing, alternating quick lines with hatching and small accumulations of ink that provide volume and depth. The artist dispenses with meticulous description to focus on gestures, postures and the overall rhythm of the composition.

The boat functions as a large horizontal line on which the characters are distributed. In contrast, the mast, the ladder and the rigging introduce strong diagonals and verticals, creating dynamism and guiding the eye toward the upper part of the composition. The background landscape is deliberately reduced to a few essential lines.

The work is particularly interesting within Palencia’s graphic production. Drawing occupied an important and autonomous place in his career: the Reina Sofía Museum notes that his works on paper should not be understood simply as preparatory studies for his paintings, but that in many cases they reach considerable artistic independence. The museum preserves, among other examples, important ink drawings by the artist.

The scene thus combines synthesis, linear expressiveness and observation of everyday life, transforming a traditional motif — fishermen working at sea — into a modern composition of notable graphic vitality.

The work appears signed “B. Palencia” and dated “1962” in the lower right corner.

Measurements

With frame: approximately 56 × 64 cm.
Drawing: approximately 33 × 41 cm.

The work is protected by a passe-partout and framed. The conservation status should be assessed via the supplied photographs, which form an integral part of the description.

IMPORTANT ABOUT THE FRAME

The frame shown in the photographs is provided exclusive as a GIFT together with the work. The frame is not part of the lot for valuation purposes, has no commercial value attributed, and is included only as a courtesy to the buyer.

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