The unlucky death of Pepe Illo in the ring at Madrid
Technical details
Author:
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes
Title:
The unlucky death of Pepe Illo in the ring at Madrid
Timeline:
1816
Technique:
Aquafortis, aquatint, drypoint and burin
Description
José Delgado, alias Pep Illo, the famous bullfighter already depicted in another print, died in the bullring of Madrid on 11 May 1801. Goya appears to have been in attendance at the event, which caused great consternation all over Spain. The matador lies on the sand after his leg was wounded; in an instant the bull gores him, piercing his horn into the man's belly. This is a hugely restrained print, with a simple composition and intelligent distribution of light and shade.
Location in the museum
You may find this artwork on Floor 2 Goya’s Etchings