Who painted Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull?

Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull was painted by Francisco Goya in 1816.

Where can I see Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull?

Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull?

Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull

Francisco Goya , 1816

Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull is a print by the Romanticist artist Francisco Goya. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Francisco de Goya’s 1816 print titled *Bullfights: Charles V spearing a bull* depicts a mounted rider confronting a bull. Executed in black‑and‑white, the image relies on stark contrasts to separate the figures from a dim, indistinct background. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The scene presents a horseman, dressed in elaborate, period costume with a tall hat and cape, lunging forward with a spear aimed at a charging bull. The composition captures a moment of imminent conflict, emphasizing the tension between human authority and animal force.

Technique & Style

Goya employs chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and bright highlights to model the rider and horse, creating a dramatic three‑dimensional effect. The swift, gestural lines convey motion, while the blurred sky and dust suggest a turbulent atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1816, the print reflects Goya’s later interest in violent spectacles. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s European prints collection.