Suite of Twenty Photographs of Male and Female Bullfighters in Plaza Solera, Costa Rica, c. 1940s.
San Jose: 1940s. Silver gelatin photographs, 8 x 10 inches. Some with inscriptions to the photographer, Jose Valverde, by the various bullfighers. Near fine with minimal wear. Item #01115
A scarce suite of photographs showing the world of Costa Rican bullfighting in the mid-20th century, all taken by the photographer Jose Valverde. Though Costa Rican bullfighting currently differs from the Spanish variety in that the aim is to only dodge the bulls and not to kill them, the form practiced here appears to be more in line with the Spanish version, with many of the bulls shown with spears protruding from them as they charge the bullfighters. Notably, four photographs show women bullfighters, notable as this was the period when women first worked as bullfighters. Overall an uncommon survival.
Price: $1,500.00