La desgraciada muerte de Pepe Illo en la plaza de Madrid (The Unlucky Death of Pepe Illo in the Ring at Madrid) is a powerful 1816 etching by Francisco Goya, demonstrating the artist’s sophisticated mastery of multiple printmaking techniques. The visual density and dramatic impact of the scene were achieved through a complex combination of etching, burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin work, yielding a rich tonal scale that was unique to the Spanish master’s graphic production during the early 19th century. This specific impression, dating from the first edition of the portfolio, captures the visceral climax of a tragic real-life event: the fatal goring of the famous torero José Delgado Guerra, known as Pepe Illo, which occurred in 1801.
Goya elevates the bullfight from mere spectacle to a profound exploration of human frailty and violence. The composition centers on the moment of death, with the bullfighter violently suspended in the air by the bull, while surrounding figures rush or react in various states of terror and confusion. Goya used the heavy application of aquatint to cast deep shadows across the chaotic scene, emphasizing the inevitability of the protagonist's fate. This print forms part of Goya’s renowned series La Tauromaquia, a portfolio dedicated to the history and evolution of bullfighting.
Created during the period of 1801 to 1825, this work reflects the increasingly dark psychological intensity that characterized Goya’s late career, following the political upheaval of the Peninsular War. While documenting Spanish cultural tradition, the work also functions as a brutal commentary on mortality witnessed in a public arena. Today, La desgraciada muerte de Pepe Illo en la plaza de Madrid is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing critical insight into Goya’s techniques and historical context. As one of the most celebrated prints by Goya, it is frequently studied and remains widely accessible through public domain art initiatives.
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