Artwork

Bullfights: El Cid Campeador Spearing Another Bull

Bullfights:  El Cid Campeador Spearing Another Bull, by Francisco Goya, 1816
Bullfights:  El Cid Campeador Spearing Another Bull, by Francisco Goya, 1816

Bullfights: El Cid Campeador Spearing Another 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

Bullfights: El Cid Campeador Spearing Another Bull is an 1816 print by Francisco de Goya, housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a dramatic scene of a bullfighter on horseback, identified as El Cid Campeador, engaging with a bull.

Subject & Meaning

The print showcases a pivotal moment in a bullfight, with El Cid Campeador, a legendary Spanish figure, spearing a bull. The composition emphasizes the dynamic confrontation between the rider and the animal, capturing the intensity of the event.

Technique & Style

Goya employed a technique that achieves deep shading and textured effects, enhancing the sense of depth and energy. Strong, bold lines and expressive brushstrokes convey the kinetic movement of the scene, characteristic of Goya's expressive approach.

History & Provenance

Created in 1816, the print is part of Goya's 'Bullfights' series. It is currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco Goya

Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.