Rafael Guerra ( Guerrita ) Circa 1900

Produced around 1900, this original Spanish illustrated document portrays Rafael Guerra Bejarano, better known as Guerrita, one of the dominant figures of late nineteenth-century bullfighting. Created by Daniel Perea and printed in colour lithography by J. Palacios in Madrid, it belongs to the rich tradition of illustrated portraits celebrating the leading matadors of the period.

Guerrita is shown standing confidently upon the sunlit sand of the bullring. He wears an exceptionally detailed gold traje de luces, while a magnificent red cape falls from his hand and spreads dramatically across the ground. Officials observe him from behind the wooden barrier, and the matador’s sharply defined shadow emphasizes the stillness and ceremonial dignity of his pose.

Rafael Guerra Bejarano (1862–1941) was born in Córdoba and began his career as a banderillero before becoming a matador. During the 1890s, he achieved extraordinary fame through his technical mastery, authority and complete understanding of the different stages of the bullfight. Regarded as one of the great innovators of his generation, he became known as the second of Córdoba’s celebrated “Caliphs of Bullfighting.”

Daniel Perea y Rojas (1834–1909) was a Spanish painter, illustrator and caricaturist particularly renowned for his depictions of the bullring. Closely associated with the influential periodical La Lidia, he documented celebrated matadors and important moments in Spanish bullfighting with precision and theatrical flair. The lower margin identifies the Madrid printing establishment of J. Palacios at 27 Calle del Arenal.

With its monumental full-length portrait, richly rendered costume and important historical subject, this original illustrated document is particularly appealing to collectors of Spanish art, bullfighting history and nineteenth-century popular imagery. It would also form an excellent companion to other portraits from Daniel Perea’s celebrated series of matadors.

Original Poster

Corrida - Spain

Litho: J. Palacios Tipolitografico

Good condition, traces of folds