Artwork
La desgraciada muerte de Pepe Illo en la plaza de Madrid (The Unlucky Death of Pepe Illo in the Ring at Madrid)
La desgraciada muerte de Pepe Illo en la plaza de Madrid (The Unlucky Death of Pepe Illo in the Ring at Madrid) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francisco Goya. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La desgraciada muerte de Pepe Illo en la plaza de Madrid is a print by Francisco de Goya, created using etching, drypoint, and burin techniques. It depicts a fatal incident involving the bullfighter Pepe Illo.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Pepe Illo being gored by a bull during a Madrid bullfight. The scene is one of chaos and violence, with three men attempting to distract the bull as it looms over the fallen torero. The image captures a moment of intense drama and tragedy.
Technique & Style
Goya employed a range of techniques, including etching, drypoint, and burin, to create the print. The use of sharp lines and expressive marks conveys a sense of urgency and realism, characteristic of Goya's evolving style during this period.
History & Provenance
The print is a working proof, created in 1816, a time of significant turmoil in Spain. Goya witnessed the event depicted in the print, which was inspired by the real-life death of Pepe Illo.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.
Bullfights: The Unlucky Death of Pepe Illo, in the Ring at Madrid
Bullfights: Pepe Illo Making the Pass of the "Recorte"
Bullfights: The Same Ceballos Mounted on Another Bull Breaks Short Spears in the Ring at Madrid
Bullfights: The Death of Pepe Illo (2nd Composition)
Bullfights: Manly Courage of the Celebrated Pajuelera in (the Ring) at Saragosa
Bullfights: The Death of Pepe Illo (3rd Composition)
Bullfights: The Agility and Audacity of Juanito Apinani in (the Ring) at Madrid