1945 San Sebastián Bullfight Poster—Juan Reus | Manolete, Ortega, Arruza

This striking original 1945 lithographic poster by Juan Reus (1912–2003) captures the vivid spectacle of a Monumental Corrida de Toros at the Plaza de Toros de San Sebastián on August 14, 1945. A master of bullfighting graphic art—sometimes called the last Impressionist of his genre—Reus hailed from Valencia and forged his reputation in the 1940s working for the Ortega printing workshop, becoming known for fluid, expressive depictions of matadors in motion.

Philosophically and stylistically rooted in tradition, Reus's posters reflect Spain’s deep cultural reverence for bullfighting, a sport that captivated audiences throughout the 20th century. His imagery vividly conveys drama through sweeping strokes and bold color, a technique evident in this work’s dynamic portrayal of the matador’s cape and the bull’s charging form.

The poster features eight bulls from the renowned Atanasio Fernández ranch of Salamanca, with legends like Domingo Ortega, Silverio Pérez, Manuel Rodríguez “Manolete,” and Carlos Arruza in the ring. Manolete, widely regarded as one of the greatest bullfighters in history, tragically died just two years later—making depictions of him especially poignant to collectors and historians. Comparable Reus posters from the same era routinely fetch in the $1,200–$2,300 range, underscoring this work’s historical and artistic significance.

Condition:
Good. Mounted on plywood, this piece remains stable and ready for display. It shows a missing lower-left section and water damage along the bottom edge, though the artwork’s colors and dynamism remain remarkably preserved.

Dimensions:
42" H × 21" W × 0.25" D