Before the bullfight 1871

Mariano Fortuny Marsal's "Before the bullfight" (1871) depicts the anticipation before a bullfight. The artwork is notable for its loose, almost impressionistic style, evident in the brushstrokes and the depiction of the crowd. The scene, captured from a high vantage point, showcases the arena's structure and the expectant atmosphere. The empty ring, the red barrier, and the crowd's anticipation provide a sense of dramatic tension, hinting at the exciting and dangerous spectacle about to unfold. This work demonstrates Fortuny's mastery of capturing a moment in time, as well as his ability to convey the drama and spectacle of a bullfight.