Bullfight, Suerte de Varas

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (Francisco de Goya)

1824

Oil on canvas, Oil, Canvas

J. Paul Getty Museum

A bullfight scene unfolds in an arena with several men on horseback and a bull. One man on horseback is engaged with the bull, while others observe or participate. Before a mesmerized crowd, man and beast dramatically confront one another. The fiercely determined picador leans forward and gathers all his strength, readying himself to stab the impassive bull with his sharp lance. Dying or wounded animals lie on the ground, and the bloody undersides of the picador's horse convey the abusive and violent aspects of the sport of bullfighting. The bull coolly eyes his opponent as a group of fearful men try to distract the savage animal. Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes painted this work late in his career when he had begun experimenting with different techniques. Showing remarkable freedom, Goya u