Picador Caught by a Bull

Picador Caught by a Bull by Francisco Goya, created in 1825, is a powerful example of the artist's late graphic output. This specific impression is a lithograph on wove paper, printed by Gaulon in Bordeaux. Goya executed this piece during the final period of his life, while exiled in France, where he enthusiastically explored the relatively new medium of lithography. Unlike traditional etching or engraving, the lithographic technique allowed Goya a remarkable sense of spontaneity and tonal richness, lending a sketch-like immediacy to the violent scene. The work is classified as a print, reflecting the enduring significance of bullfighting in Spanish culture.

The subject matter draws upon the drama of the tauromaquia, a theme Goya had explored extensively in earlier print series. Here, the moment of critical danger is captured: a picador and his horse are violently overturned by a charging bull, rendered with thick, expressive shadows that emphasize the physical struggle. The graphic intensity and fluid, dark washes characteristic of this print reflect the turbulent artistic and political climate of the 1801 to 1825 period. Goya’s late work often demonstrates a preoccupation with raw physical struggle and intense psychological states, executed with a freedom rarely seen in earlier techniques.

This impression of the lithograph resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and serves as crucial evidence of the technical versatility of the elderly master. As a significant example of early lithography, this work by Goya continues to be studied for its brilliance and dramatic force. The widespread availability of significant historical prints, often available through public domain initiatives, ensures the continued accessibility of Goya's late oeuvre for researchers and enthusiasts globally.