The daring of Martincho in the ring at Zaragoza
Original title: Plate 18 of "La 'Tauromaquia": The daring of Martincho in the ring at Zaragoza
kurzbeschreibung
Plate 18 of Goya's etching series 'La Tauromaquia' presents the bullfighter Martincho in the arena of Saragossa. Created in 1816, this etching with aquatint and drypoint shows Martincho seated on a chair, attempting to fend off a bull with a glove.
Description
In the foreground, a bull approaches a seated man who has taken his place on a chair and holds a bullfighting glove in his hand. The man appears defensive, as if trying to push the bull back. Behind a wooden barrier, people watch the event. Monochrome tones dominate the scene, and the figures are rendered in detail. The layout feels dynamic, as the bull and the seated man are caught in action, while the light is evenly distributed and shadows and contours stand out.
Context
Goya created the 'Tauromaquia' series between 1815 and 1816, published in 1816, when he was intensely engaged with Spanish bullfighting. This print belongs to a group of works that introduce famous bullfighters and special moments of the corrida. Martincho was a well-known bullfighter of his time, whose risky actions in Saragossa are documented. The series reflects Goya's interest in Spanish culture and its traditions.
Impact
The etching generates immediate tension, as the encounter between man and animal seems threatening. The fine linework and nuanced gray tones give the scene a dramatic intensity that draws the viewer into the action.
Technique
The print was made using a combination of etching, burnished aquatint, and drypoint. Aquatint creates soft tonal gradations, while drypoint allows for fine, precise lines. The plate measures 24.5 × 34.9 cm, the sheet 30.5 × 44.4 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)