Modo con que los antiguos Espanoles cazaban los toros a caballo en el campo (The Way in which the Ancient Spaniards Hunted Bulls on Horseback in the Open Country)

Modo con que los antiguos Espanoles cazaban los toros a caballo en el campo (The Way in which the Ancient Spaniards Hunted Bulls on Horseback in the Open Country) is a significant print by Francisco Goya, dating from 1816. This work, created during the turbulent Spanish period spanning 1801 to 1825, utilizes the complex intaglio techniques of etching, burnished aquatint, and drypoint. As a testament to Goya’s mastery of graphic art, the piece captures a dramatic intensity achieved through deep velvety blacks derived from the aquatint, complemented by the sharp, linear detail of the etching and drypoint work.

The subject illustrates an historical, traditional method of bull hunting, depicting riders on horseback engaged in the dangerous spectacle in an open field. Goya used the print medium to capture the visceral chaos and raw energy inherent in the action, rather than just provide a simple illustration. The composition is highly dynamic, characterized by the quick movements of the horses and the powerful, dark masses that anchor the scene, lending the image a palpable sense of motion and dust rising from the ground. Such graphic prints solidified Goya’s reputation as a foremost visual chronicler of cultural customs and human drama in the early 19th century.

Classified as a portfolio piece, the impression of Modo con que los antiguos Espanoles cazaban los toros a caballo en el campo showcases the technical sophistication Goya achieved late in his prolific career. The careful articulation of light and shadow emphasizes the high stakes of the encounter between man and beast. This specific first edition impression is held in the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as a crucial document of the artist's enduring interest in tauromaquia. Today, the artwork is frequently referenced by scholars and, like many historical prints from this period, high-quality versions have entered the public domain, allowing for extensive study and appreciation globally.