Valor varonil de la celebre Pajuelera en la de Zaragoza (Manly Courage of the Celebrated Pajuelera in the Ring at Saragossa)

The powerful print Valor varonil de la celebre Pajuelera en la de Zaragoza (Manly Courage of the Celebrated Pajuelera in the Ring at Saragossa) was created by Francisco Goya in 1816. This work, a complex example of Spanish graphic art from the period encompassing 1801 to 1825, utilizes a sophisticated combination of etching, burnished aquatint, drypoint, and burin. The specific impression held by the National Gallery of Art is a crucial first edition, providing a clear window into the artist’s technical mastery in the production of museum-quality prints.

Goya focused heavily on the spectacle and cultural importance of bullfighting in his graphic works. Unlike earlier idealized depictions of the sport, this piece captures the raw, gritty energy and implied danger suggested by the "manly courage" of the female figure, Pajuelera, referenced in the title. As one of Goya's notable prints from this era, the technique demonstrates his innovative approach to texture and tonal contrast, using aquatint to build atmosphere and depth around the dramatic action unfolding in the bullring at Saragossa.

The work is classified as a portfolio print, reflecting the artist’s sustained investigation into dramatic cultural subjects. The masterful application of drypoint alongside the varied engraving techniques highlights the turbulence and dynamism Goya brought to his commentary on Spanish customs and popular entertainment. This print is a defining example of the artist's late graphic output and is a cornerstone of the Spanish collection at the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical documentation, this seminal piece is now considered part of the public domain, allowing it to be widely accessible for scholarly study and art reference worldwide.