Claudio Nelson Bravo Camus, born on November 8, 1936, in Valparaiso, Chile, and passing away on June 4, 2011, in Taroudant, Morocco, was a distinguished hyperrealist painter known for his profound engagement with classical and surreal aesthetics. His works reflect a synthesis of influences, ranging from Renaissance and Baroque traditions to the surreal explorations of artists like Salvador Dalí. Bravo spent a significant period of his life in Tangier, Morocco, starting in 1972, contributing to the rich tapestry of his artistic expression.

This drawing, measuring 10.5x9.25 inches and presented on a delicately tinted paper, exemplifies Bravo's skill in capturing the human form with exquisite precision. The subject, a kneeling female nude beside conch shells, reveals Bravo's penchant for exploring themes of beauty, sensuality, and the natural world. The composition invites contemplation, offering a moment frozen in time that transcends mere representation.

Claudio Nelson Bravo Camus' artistic legacy extends beyond drawings to include paintings, lithographs, engravings, and figural bronze sculptures. He created portraits of notable figures such as Franco of Spain, President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos of the Philippines, and Malcolm Forbes. Public collections around the world, including institutions like The Baltimore Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Modern Art, hold Bravo's works, celebrating his significant contribution to the art world.

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Bravo's artistry with this exquisite drawing, a testament to his technical prowess, artistic vision, and enduring impact on the realm of hyperrealism.

At the age of 21, Claudio Nelson Bravo Camus embarked on a transformative journey that would shape his artistic trajectory. Commissioned for portraits in Concepción, Chile, Bravo's early success allowed him to set sail for Paris aboard the Amerigo Vespucci. However, a stormy voyage led him to disembark in Barcelona, where he eventually found his way to Madrid. In the vibrant cultural milieu of 1960s Madrid, Bravo established himself as a society portraitist, gaining acclaim for his extraordinary ability to capture verisimilitude.

Bravo's distinctive approach to portraiture reflected influences from Renaissance and Baroque masters, a passion cultivated during his visits to the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Inspired by the works of artists like Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán, Juan Sánchez Cotán, Juan van der Hamen, and Luis Egidio Meléndez, Bravo honed his skills in depicting light effects, cloth studies, still lifes, and texture.

His immersion in Madrid's artistic landscape included collaborating with prominent figures like dress designer Balenciaga, whose Renaissance-inspired creations intrigued Bravo. The artist's discerning approach led him to negotiate with noble women to acquire a Balenciaga dress before agreeing to paint their portraits. Within a remarkably short period, Bravo found himself painting Francisco Franco's daughter, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after portraitist.

The year 1968 brought an invitation from President Marcos of the Philippines, inviting Bravo to paint portraits of him, his wife Imelda Marcos, and members of high society. During his six-month stay, Bravo experienced a profound shift in his artistic perspective, influenced by the intense quality of light in the Philippines. This transformative encounter with light played a pivotal role in reshaping Bravo's painting techniques, marking a significant chapter in his artistic evolution.

Bravo's international acclaim is evident in his diverse body of work, including portraits of influential figures such as President Marcos. His legacy endures in institutions worldwide, where his paintings are celebrated for their technical brilliance, thematic depth, and enduring contributions to hyperrealism.

It is the Buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and deem their own opinions on condition, description, provenance, and validity BEFORE purchasing.
Please email us at donny@donnymaloneauctions.com with any questions so we may aid you in your assessment.

All descriptions are visual opinions based on the Auction house's experience and do not warrant as a guarantee.

Condition is appropriate to age of the item. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is free from damage and wear.
Please review all pictures posted on this listing. We encourage all buyers to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot as ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE IS.

Bidding:
- All items are sold as-is where-is meaning there are no guarantees or warranties whatsoever. Bidders agree to complete their own due diligence and take full responsibility in all of their purchases.
- Buyers premium of 25% on all items. (An additional 25% is added to the hammer price of your winning bid, called the buyers premium.)

Payment:
-Invoices are sent via Email after the auction , please check spam and junk folders.
-Invoices over $3,000 USD will need to be paid with either a wire transfer or certified bank check.
-Invoices under $3,000 USD can be paid by paypal, visa, mastercard, discover, check, wire, money order, cash.
-Disputes for non paid items are issued 1 week (7days) after the auction date.

Pick-up & Shipment :
-Buyers are required to pick up their purchased property within 2 weeks of the auction.
-The auction does not and will not ship any items.
-Our primary and preferred shipper Gravity Boxes will automatically send all non-local paid invoices a courtesy shipping quote within 12-48 hours after payment, via email.
-Buyers are responsible for negotiating and scheduling their own shippers for their items.
-The auction house works closely with about 8+ private shipping companies that will be listed on your invoice.

Storage & Item Neglect:
-Buyers who have hired any of the listed shipping companies on the invoices within the 2 week time period will be exempt from storage fees.
-Items that are not picked up or paid to be shipped within 2 weeks (14 days) of the auction are subject to storage fees. Storage will be 5 dollars per day , per lot item.
-Items that are not paid for storage or shipped within 30 days of the auction will be considered neglected and abandoned.
-Neglected items will be forfeited from the buyer without refund.

For the full Terms and Conditions please “Auction Policies?? on any item listing.