131 - ARRUE (Ramiro).

ARRUE (Ramiro). An autographed poem paying tribute to bare-hand pelota, its greatest players, and more specifically to Atano III, considered one of the best pelotaris in the history of the sport; the text is surmounted by a small original drawing depicting the player’s portrait in a medallion. A very rare, laudatory manuscript by Arrue describing Atano III’s career through his opponents and their matchups at the premier venues of Basque pelota. “Land of Acoitia in Euzkadi A race of strength and skill Juaristi is a sturdy example Atano, the one with the great shot Beneath the beret lie the eyebrows, beneath the eyebrows lie the eyes that chase the pelota as they orchestrate the play, whether it’s a long shot from afar or a drop shot. Serve. A crisp touch. Out flies the ball like a bullet, soaring—no volley can return it, not even a good one. Eibar, Markina, Guernika have witnessed his triumphs; Echabe, Zabala, Artazo Noble names—men of oak and the Mondragonese dragon know something of his arm. The slabs of the frontons— if they could speak, they’d tell tales of his spectacular plays by the dozen. Mariano Juaristi, Atano. Conqueror of the strongest, giant of the game of pelota." (slight stains, sun damage, and minor marginal paper loss) Expert: ASVISIO Nicolas