"El mismo Ceballos montado sobre otro toro quiebra rejones en la plaza de Madrid (The Same Ceballos Mounted on Another Bull Breaks Short Spears in the Ring at Madrid)" by Francisco Goya is a masterful Spanish print created in 1816. Executed using a complex combination of etching, burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin, this impression represents a critical exploration of contemporary spectacle. This work is an integral part of Goya’s celebrated series, La Tauromaquia (The Art of Bullfighting), a portfolio that documented the historical and contemporary evolution of the sport.
The dramatic composition captures the mounted rejoneador, José Delgado Ceballos, engaging a powerful bull within the crowded ring at Madrid. Ceballos is depicted at the height of the action, utilizing rejones (short spears) to manage the charging animal. Goya captures the raw violence and skill required in this traditional form of bullfighting, emphasizing the dangerous proximity between the horse, rider, and the beast. Unlike many plates in the series, which depict general action, this piece focuses specifically on a recognizable historical figure celebrated for his prowess and daring.
Dating from the period of 1801 to 1825, this work exemplifies the late career style of Goya, who utilized printmaking as a primary means of social commentary and historical documentation. The reliance on aquatint adds necessary tonal depth and atmosphere, distinguishing these La Tauromaquia prints from the artist's earlier print cycles. This specific impression is noted as a first edition, showcasing the freshness and clarity of the original plate work. As a crucial example of Spanish artistic tradition, the piece is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Many such important prints by the artist are widely distributed and occasionally available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to this influential body of work.
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