The Banderillas 1911

"The Banderillas" is an etching by James McBey, created in 1911. The artwork depicts a dramatic scene from a bullfight, capturing the intensity and danger of the sport. The etching features a bull charging towards a matador, who is attempting to plant banderillas, or barbed darts, into the bull's shoulders. The composition is dynamic, emphasizing the tension between the man and the beast. McBey's masterful use of line and shading conveys the texture of the bull's hide, the matador's clothing, and the sand of the ring. The background features spectators in the stands, adding to the sense of spectacle and anticipation. "The Banderillas" showcases McBey's talent for depicting action and drama in a powerful and evocative manner.