Charles V spearing a bull in the ring at Valladolid, plate 10 from "La Tauromaquia"
Original title: Charles V spearing a bull in the ring at Valladolid, plate 10 from "La Tauromaquia"
kurzbeschreibung
In this 1816 etching, Goya shows Emperor Charles V charging a bull with a spear in the arena of Valladolid. The print belongs to the series 'La Tauromaquia', which brings together various scenes of bullfighting. The printmaking techniques include etching, aquatint, drypoint, and burin.
Description
A horseman drives his spear into a bull's flank; helmet and vest identify the man. The bull lifts its head high, hind leg extended, while the horse remains in lively motion. The rider's legs and upper body convey forceful action. The background stays bare and dark, making the figures stand out. Light falls from the upper right, accenting shadows and contours of the bodies.
Context
Between 1815 and 1816, Goya made 'La Tauromaquia' during a period when he was deeply engaged with Spanish culture and history. The figure of Charles V as a bullfighter points to a sixteenth-century event: the emperor is said to have faced a bull himself at a festival in Valladolid. Goya used bullfighting as a motif to reflect both the tradition and the violence of Spanish society.
Impact
Dark etching and a dynamic layout create immediate drama. The restrained color and clear drawing of the figures bring the central action into focus and produce a dense, almost menacing mood. Historical dignity and raw violence combine in a way that lingers with the viewer.
Technique
The print combines etching, burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin. Aquatint provides subtle gradations of gray, while drypoint and burin add precise lines and hatching. This mixture yields a rich texture and depth characteristic of Goya's printed work.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)