Another way of hunting on foot, plate two from The Art of Bullfighting Possibly 1814 - 1816

Francisco Goya made this print called 'Another Way of Hunting on Foot' using etching and aquatint, part of his series 'The Art of Bullfighting'. Bullfighting was, and still is, a popular, yet controversial, spectacle in Spain. Goya, living in a society deeply rooted in tradition, presents us with a scene that reflects both the cultural fascination and the brutal reality of this sport. Notice the grounded figures and the frenzied bull, all rendered in stark lighting. Goya was employed by the Royal Court, his art often reflected or subtly critiqued the social structures of his time. 'The Art of Bullfighting', created during the Peninsular War, can be seen as a commentary on Spanish identity, courage, and perhaps, the senselessness of violence. Was Goya celebrating Spanish tradition or offering a darker reflection on its implications? To understand Goya's intent fully, we can look to contemporary accounts, historical records of bullfighting, and critical analyses of his broader body of work. Only then can we appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in this image.