Rafael Guerra Guerrita 1899

Created in 1899 by Eulogio Varela Sartorio, this original Spanish poster printed in chromolithography celebrates Rafael Guerra Bejarano, better known by his professional name “Guerrita.” Issued by the influential Madrid bullfighting journal La Lidia, it appeared during the year in which the celebrated matador unexpectedly retired from the ring.

A photographic portrait of Guerrita dominates the centre of the composition. He is presented in formal bullfighting costume, wearing the traditional black montera and an elaborately embroidered suit of lights. The delicate pink, gold and cream colours give his ceremonial clothing an exceptional richness, while the oval frame transforms the portrait into an emblem of professional distinction.

Above him, a winged female figure representing Fame sounds a long trumpet. Flowing drapery, laurel branches and stylized architectural forms surround the portrait, while a sword, bullfighter’s hat, banderillas and other objects associated with the arena appear below. Varela unites these elements through graceful lines, flattened areas of colour and decorative lettering characteristic of Spanish Modernismo and European Art Nouveau.

Born in Córdoba in 1862, Guerrita was one of the dominant figures of late nineteenth-century bullfighting. Admired for his versatility, authority and technical mastery, he was accomplished with the cape, banderillas and muleta. He fought for the final time at Zaragoza’s Feria del Pilar on October 15, 1899, retiring while still considered one of the foremost matadors of his generation.

La Lidia, published in Madrid between 1882 and 1900, became celebrated for bringing high-quality colour lithography to the popular illustrated press. This poster was printed by the typolithographic establishment of Julián Palacios at 27 Calle del Arenal. Combining Varela’s sophisticated Modernist design with the portrait of an important historical matador, it is particularly desirable for collectors of Spanish posters, bullfighting history, Art Nouveau and nineteenth-century illustrated journalism.

Original Poster

Corrida - Sport - Show

Lidia

Tipolitografico

Good condition, traces of folds