λ SALVADOR DALI (SPANISH 1904-1989), TORÉADOR (PORTRAIT OF THE BULLFIGHTER HERO - CARMEN II)

λ SALVADOR DALI (SPANISH 1904-1989)TOREADOR (PORTRAIT OF THE HERO-CARMEN II) Gouache, watercolour and washSigned (upper right)49.5 x 39cm (19¼ x 15¼ in.)Executed in 1968.Provenance:Private Collection, New YorkSale, Sotheby's, New York, 6th October 1989, lot 199Sale, Christie's, London, 9th February 2006, lot 668Purchased at the above sale by the present ownerThis work is recorded in the Robert and Nicolas Descharnes Archives under the number D0835_1968.From Goya to Picasso and Dali, the spectacle and tradition of bull fighting has permeated the work of successive generations of Spanish artists. The image of the Toreador has come to epitomise the very essence of a hero - honourable, dignified, formidable yet graceful. The choreographed dance between bull and bullfighter is an intimate series of carefully rehearsed and practiced movements designed ultimately to show off the skill and expertise of the bull fighter.Dali based his own depictions of the La Tauromquia, on Picasso's earlier famous series of etchings. Dating from 1966, Dali's images incorporate the use of scythes and crosses as a clear indication that the shadow of death hangs over this theatrical spectacle.In contrast the present work is a more intimate portrayal of the bull fighter, far removed from the frenetic activity of the bull fight, the hero is depicted in a moment of reflection.Condition Report: Executed on cream wove paper. The work is hinged to the mount in the upper left and right corners on the verso. The lower edge of the sheet is deckled. There are minor networks of hairline drying cracks to the thickest pigment in the peach areas, inherent to the medium used. This work is in overall very good condition.Condition Report Disclaimer