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James Sparshatt
El Viejo Maestro by James Sparshatt - Framed Platinum print of tango dancers

2004

About the Item

The old teacher. When he was young tango was the Argentine dance. Born in the back streets and brothels of Buenos Aires its staccato movements and deep rooted passion were all-consuming. With the advent of military dictatorships, bent on conservatism and built on repression, the dance of the bordello all but disappeared – surviving in the Milonga private members clubs hidden from view. When democracy returned the dance became a symbol of the country's renaissance, revered as a totem of their nation by the youth and the old masters became guides to a new generation. This striking black-and-white photograph captures the timeless intimacy of a dance between two figures, illuminated in soft, ambient light. The old man, adorned with a hat, exudes a classic charm, while the closely embraced young female partner gazes with an expression of focused intent. The blurred background silhouettes further enhance the central duo, suggesting a sense of motion and fluidity. Their posture and frame encapsulate the essence of the harmonic connection so central to tango dancing, resonating with grace and elegance. The stark contrast and meticulous composition emphasize the emotional depth of the moment, drawing attention to the delicate interplay of light and shadow. This artwork uniquely immortalizes the art and history of tango dance, showcasing its ability to convey profound emotion and connection beyond words. James Sparshatt's photographs of music and dance capture the emotion and intensity of people lost in the rhythm of the moment. Palladium platinum prints are the choice for serious collectors of black and white photography. Platinum prints are the ultimate expression of bespoke craft printing. In the hands of a master printer they can provide a unique register of tones and effects bringing unexpected nuances from a negative. Prints created in this way have an ethereal quality with incredible detail, enhanced by the way the chemicals soak into the fibres of the paper. They are also light fast and therefore not subject to any form of fading over time. James Sparshatt's platinum prints are produced by 31 Studio, Europe's leading exponents of this art. The work is also available as a baryta silver gelatin print or as a large scale archival print. Palladium platinum print Edition of 12 Print floated in a box frame with UV clarity glass Signed by artist al verso Stamped by 31 Studio – platinum print masters Certificate of Authenticity from gallery Country : Argentina Series : The passion of tango Year : 2004 Media: Hand-crafted palladium platinum print Frame: Float framed Size: 34" x 26"
  • Creator:
    James Sparshatt (1966, British)
  • Creation Year:
    2004
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • More Editions & Sizes:
    Framed baryta silver gelatin print. 20" x 16" paper. Framed size 27" x 21". Edition of 35 Price: $2,070
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Coltishall, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU154628133612

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