Titelprent voor de serie La Tauromaquia 1811 - 1816

This is the title page to *La Tauromaquia*, a series of prints made by Rafael Esteve y Vilella in Madrid, sometime before 1816. This introductory page lists the titles of the thirty-three prints in the series, all of which depict the art of bullfighting. This was a popular subject in Spain, offering artists the chance to depict dramatic scenes of bravery, skill and danger. This page is not just a list, however. It also subtly presents bullfighting as a complex social ritual with a long history. Look at the list, and you’ll see that it refers to the different roles of Spanish noblemen, commoners, and even the Moors in the bullfight. References to historical figures such as El Cid and Carlos V create a sense of a rich tradition. Bullfighting's supporters viewed it as a symbol of national identity and pride. Today, however, it divides opinion, and is seen by some as a cruel spectacle. By consulting sources such as contemporary newspapers, government records, and personal letters, a social historian might explore the changing attitudes to bullfighting in Spanish society.