At the corrida 1875

Jehan Georges Vibert painted "At the corrida" using oil on canvas. The composition presents us with a tiered perspective, dividing the scene into distinct planes of observation. Notice how the wooden barriers act as framing devices, segmenting the crowd and drawing our eyes to the individuals within each section. The materiality of the paint application varies across the canvas, with thicker impasto in areas that highlight texture and form, like the draped fabric and wooden structures. In contrast, thinner washes create depth and atmosphere in the background, suggesting the vastness of the crowd. Vibert uses a palette dominated by earthy tones, punctuated by vivid accents of red, white, and blue. The painting reflects broader themes of spectatorship and social hierarchy. The formal arrangement invites us to consider how individuals are positioned and perceived within the social structure, and how the act of observing is itself a form of participation. The use of color and texture reinforces the idea of a vibrant, multifaceted society, each element contributing to the overall spectacle.