Estudio para La Albuera (Study for the Albuera)
Drawing / Work on paper • José Manuel Ballester (Spanish, b. 1960)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Abstracted Minimalism. Ballester is known for his transitional style between architectural photography and atmospheric painterly abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including pastel, charcoal, and dry pigment on textured grey paper. Utilizes sfumato blurring techniques and horizontal linear smudging to create a sense of motion and atmospheric perspective.
Creation Period
1988 (dated via inscription)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 50 cm; Landscape format.
Subject Description
An abstracted, horizontally blurred depiction of boats or architectural forms near water. The composition is split into bands of color: a grey sky/upper register, a green central form, and a blue lower vessel-like form resting on yellow-orange reflections. An inscription in Spanish appears in the lower right, dedicated 'Para los hermanos...'
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The pigments appear vibrant with minimal signs of fading. The paper support is stable and shows no conspicuous foxing or water damage under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a Spanish contemporary gallery. The inscription suggests a personal gift from the artist ('Para los hermanos...') to a private collector or acquaintance associated with Valencia/Adriatic regions mentioned in the lower left.
Art Historical Significance
A significant early drawing by Ballester, who later became famous for his 'Hidden Spaces' series where he digitally removes figures from master paintings. This work showcases his foundational interest in the void, silence, and the atmospheric rendering of space and architecture.
Notable Features
Includes a significant hand-written dedication and signature by the artist. Features a unique location inscription 'Valencia, Adriana' in the lower left, providing specific geographical / biographical context.
Condition Issues
Minor softening of details due to the fugitive nature of pastel; potential light surface dust inside the frame. Slight rippling of the paper at the edges due to humidity changes over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered glazing. Ensure the pastel surface does not touch the glass. Limit exposure to direct sunlight to prevent degradation of the charcoal and paper fibers.