MARIANO BENLLIURE Y GIL | Toro sin Puntilla (Bull)

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt to the crevices.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mariano Benlliure y Gil, who is most renowned for his work as a watercolourist, was born into a family of painters in Valencia. He studied first in Paris and then in Rome, where he shared a studio with his brother José, having won a scholarship to Rome’s Spanish Academy in 1888. There he came under the influence of the painter Mariano Fortuny and the Neapolitan sculptor Vincenzo Gemito.  Benlliure y Gil completed several genre paintings and tauromachies, of which he also produced a number of bronzes. 

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des Peintres Sculpteurs Dessinateurs et Graveurs, Paris, 1999, p. 104