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Félix Del Marle's painting presents us with a modern take on the age-old spectacle of the bullfight, an event steeped in symbolism. Here, the 'torero' on horseback dominates the composition, a figure of poised control. The motif of the horse and rider carries echoes of classical equestrian statues, symbols of power and authority. Yet, Del Marle strips away the triumphalism. The rider's face is gaunt, almost mask-like, drained of emotion. It reminds me of the stoicism found in ancient Roman busts, figures who bore the weight of empire. Consider the lance. In one context, it's a tool of the hunt, a symbol of dominance over nature. But here, it transforms into something more unsettling, a phallic symbol tinged with the looming presence of death. The bullfight embodies a primal drama that continues to captivate our collective psyche, a recurring spectacle of life, death, and ritual.