Pedro Romero killing the halted bull, plate 30 from The Art of Bullfighting Possibly 1814 - 1816

"Pedro Romero killing the halted bull" is an etching created by Francisco de Goya. The stark contrasts and sharp lines immediately draw the eye to the critical moment of confrontation between man and beast. Goya masterfully uses line and composition to convey a sense of tension. The bullfighter is depicted in a dynamic pose, poised to deliver the fatal blow. The structure of the arena, composed of horizontal bands, creates a stage for the drama, yet the etching unsettles traditional depictions of heroism through its unflinching gaze. The piece challenges our understanding of power and spectacle. The bull, though halted, exudes a raw energy, symbolizing the untamed forces of nature, while the crowd watches from above. It serves as a commentary on the human condition, reflecting on our relationship to violence, tradition, and mortality.