Estopeno
- Bronze
- 12 x 15.5 in
- Simon Erland
-
Sold
7,000. - 9,000.
As a committed corridor des toros in San Fermin for about 35 years starting in the 60’s, Simon Erland has run virtually every encierro & cannot recall ever missing a Miurado in those years. The Miura, a line of Toro de Lidia, derives from five historic lines of Spanish bull. Bred at the Ganadería Miura in Andalucia, the Miura enjoyed an extraordinary reputation in the anos de gloria of the 70s and 80s.
While Estopeno may not have been the bravest or best Miura Erland had ever seen, he was the most beautiful. As a recognized corridor, he gained admission to the corrales del Gas, where he first encountered Estopeno, to study the animals in the evening while the public partook in the more bacchanalian traditions of San Fermin. Returning later for the Ecierrillo, where the bulls are removed from their pens in the Rochpea and then brought up on foot to Santo Domingo the night before the running, Erland prepared for his closest encounter with the bull – the encierro itself.
The stage had been set for the impact of the Miuras the year before, with a member of the line winning the Trofeo Feria del Toro. Estopeno and his brothers did not disappoint – taking 24 awards in total. Estopeno was 5th in the order de lidia. Upon entry the crowd rose to their feet giving prolonged applause, rare even during San Fermin. Paco Ruiz Miguel was his challenger. He showed the qualities of a true toro bravo with long and repeated charge.
This bronze is one of three maquettes made for a life-size commission of Estopeno. The other casts are in the Miura brother’s collection.
- Collections: KCG Cross Gate 2020