![Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes) — Plate 22 from "La Tauromaquia": Manly courage of the celebrated Pajuelera in [the ring] at Zaragoza](https://oldart.vernisio.com/archiv/Goya_Francisco_de_Goya_y_Lucientes/Goya_Francisco_de_Goya_y_Lucientes_Plate_22_from_La_Tauromaquia_Manly_courage_of_the__1816_gross.jpg)
Plate 22 from "La Tauromaquia": Manly courage of the celebrated Pajuelera in [the ring] at Zaragoza
Original title: Plate 22 from "La Tauromaquia": Manly courage of the celebrated Pajuelera in [the ring] at Zaragoza
kurzbeschreibung
On plate 22 of Goya's series La Tauromaquia, the female bullfighter known as the Pajuelera appears in the arena at Zaragoza. This 1816 etching with aquatint captures a moment in the bullfight when the rider directs the animal with a staff.
Description
A rider on horseback holds a long staff and seems to guide the bull with it. The animal is caught in violent motion, suggesting both attack and defense. A wall in the background marks the typical boundary of the arena. The grays remain restrained, and the lighting appears even, without harsh contrasts—characteristics of the etching process.
Context
Created in 1816 as part of La Tauromaquia, a series Goya made between 1814 and 1816. It records various aspects of Spanish bullfighting, from historical scenes to events of his own time. Plate 22 refers to a specific event in Zaragoza, where a woman known as the Pajuelera performed in the arena.
Impact
The mood is calm yet full of tension: the rider keeps control over the animal. The realistic rendering with a hint of drama emphasizes the intensity of the moment without tipping into the spectacular.
Technique
Etching with burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin were used. This technique allows fine lines for details and soft tonal transitions for areas. The plate measures 25 × 35 cm, the paper 30.9 × 44.3 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)