Horses in a Courtyard by the Bullring before the Bullfight, Madrid (detail)

The composition depicts everyday activity surrounding a bullring, a central element of Spanish public life. A group of horses stands in a courtyard while a figure’s hat draws the viewer’s eye, highlighting contemporary dress and the social atmosphere that precedes the spectacle of the bullfight. The scene reflects the costumbrista interest in documenting local customs and communal rituals.

The oil medium allows for rich, layered coloration that models the figures and architecture with subtle chiaroscuro.

Castellano employs a Romantic sensibility combined with precise draftsmanship typical of his engraver background. The oil medium allows for rich, layered coloration that models the figures and architecture with subtle chiaroscuro. Fine attention to texture—particularly in the fabric of the hat and the sheen of the horses’ coats—demonstrates his skill in rendering material detail within a broader narrative setting.

Created during Castellano’s mature period, the painting aligns with his reputation for portraying bullfighting scenes and Madrid’s street life. After its completion, the work entered private collections before being acquired by the Museo del Prado, where it now serves as an example of mid‑19th‑century Spanish genre painting and the artist’s contribution to costumbrista visual culture.