The famous american, Mariano Ceballos
Technical details
Author:
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes
Title:
The famous american, Mariano Ceballos
Timeline:
1825
Technique:
Lithographic pencil and scraper
Description
The centre of the composition is occupied by the protagonist, Mariano Ceballos, alias the Indian, who became very popular in Spain owing to his exotic appearance and bravery. Ceballos rides a saddled bull in order to break it in; the rejón, short sword, he holds will be used to kill the other bull in the print that forms a counterbalance in this scene with a complex effect of foreshortening. The contrast between the black and white of the bulls and in the (Latin) American's dress give the image a great sense of movement.
In the background Goya masterfully captures the attitudes and profiles of spectators behind the barrier and those seated on the foothold.
Location in the museum
You may find this artwork on Floor 2 Goya’s Etchings