Artwork

La Tauramaquia: A Spanish Knight Kills the Bull after Having Lost His Horse

La Tauramaquia: A Spanish Knight Kills the Bull after Having Lost His Horse is a print by the Romanticist artist Francisco de Goya. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1984.74
Credit line: Gift of Barbara and Joe Meals in memory of Moselle Taylor Meals

About this work

Overview

Created in 1816, this print by Francisco de Goya portrays a dramatic episode from a Spanish bull‑fighting spectacle. A dismounted knight confronts a charging bull, emphasizing the peril and vigor of the encounter. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a moment when a Spanish cavalier, having lost his mount, must face the bull on foot. The composition underscores the bravery and desperation inherent in traditional bullfighting, reflecting broader themes of human struggle against powerful natural forces.

Technique & Style

Goya employs strong contrasts of light and shadow, a chiaroscuro effect that heightens the tension and gives the figures a three‑dimensional presence. The bold line work and dramatic tonal shifts are characteristic of his printmaking approach during the early 19th century.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the aftermath of the Peninsular War, a period when Goya turned to subjects drawn from Spanish popular culture. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the late 20th century, where it remains on display.