The Moors use donkeys as a barrier to defend themselves against the bull whose horns have been tipped with balls
Original title: Plate 17 of "La Tauromaquia": The Moors use donkeys as a barrier to defend themselves against the bull whose horns have been tipped with balls
kurzbeschreibung
For this 1816 print from La Tauromaquia, Francisco de Goya drew on a legendary incident: Moors who take cover behind donkeys to defend themselves against a charging bull. The etching forms part of Goya's series on the history of Spanish bullfighting.
Description
A bull with balls attached to its horns dominates the middle of the image. Two figures brace poles against it, while a third lies on the ground. Further back, more people and animals are active. Black and white govern the picture, with hatching and shading driving the movement forward; the style remains realistic, with clear dramatic accents.
Context
The print was made in 1816 as part of La Tauromaquia, a series of 33 etchings created between 1815 and 1816. It tells the story of Spanish bullfighting from its beginnings up to Goya's own time. The appearance of the Moors points to the Moorish tradition of bullfighting, which was historically rooted in Spain.
Impact
The dense stacking of figures and harsh light-dark contrasts give the print an immediate tension. Realistic rendering and dramatic intensification interlock, drawing the viewer into the event.
Technique
For this print, Goya used drypoint, etching, burnished aquatint, and burin. Their interplay produces fine lines and soft tonal values that bring out the texture and depth of the scene. The plate measures 24.3 x 35 cm, and it was printed on a sheet of 30.5 x 44.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)