Unfortunate events in the front seats of the ring of Madrid and the death of the mayor of Torrejón
Technical details
Description
The event depicted in this print – a bull jumping into the stands and impaling a man – apparently took place on 15 June 1801. Two or three figures provide an effect of chaotic movement as the terrified people flee the scene. The feeling of tension is increased through the use of the empty space that is lacking in any movement. Goya heightens the impact of the composition by blurring the white blouse of the woman who is running as fast as she can towards the left, distancing herself from the figure of the dreadful bull with his victim impaled on one of his horns, on the right. There is no doubt as to the originality of the composition, which leaves spaces empty of figures to create an unbalanced composition that went against the norms of the day.