El mismo vuelca un toro en la plaza de Madrid (The Same Man Throws a Bull in the Ring at Madrid)

El mismo vuelca un toro en la plaza de Madrid (The Same Man Throws a Bull in the Ring at Madrid) by Francisco Goya, created in 1816, is a foundational piece from the renowned La Tauromaquia portfolio. This powerful first edition impression displays Goya’s comprehensive mastery of printmaking, utilizing a combination of etching, burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin to achieve intense dramatic effect. Produced during the turbulent Spanish period spanning 1801 to 1825, the series captures the history, technique, and brutal grandeur of bullfighting, a central element of national culture.

The print depicts an extraordinary moment of high action in the ring, focusing on the difficult maneuver described in the title: the forced throwing or flipping of a massive bull by a human figure. Goya’s skilled use of aquatint generates deep, velvety shadows and atmospheric darkness, intensifying the danger of the event and isolating the figures within the dusty arena. The sharp, precise lines provided by the drypoint and burin detail the tension in the struggling animal and the reaction of the crowded spectators in the surrounding stands.

This work reflects Goya’s shift away from purely heroic ideals toward a more unvarnished portrayal of human spectacle and conflict. Goya excelled at using the reproducible nature of prints to disseminate dramatic narratives quickly. Although the initial release of the Tauromaquia series was limited, the artistic and technical innovation displayed in the compositions established them as key achievements in 19th-century Spanish art. This significant piece is held within the collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing invaluable insight into Goya’s later career. Modern impressions and high-resolution images of these master prints are increasingly available through public domain resources, ensuring continued study of this monumental series.