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Rounding up the bulls
Francisco Goya·1787
Historical Context
Rounding Up the Bulls from 1787 is a tapestry cartoon depicting the driving of bulls, a subject connected to the bullfighting culture central to Spanish popular life. Goya's lifelong fascination with the corrida found early expression in such decorative scenes. The work reflects the broader artistic currents of the Romanticism period, combining technical mastery with the emotional and intellectual concerns that defined European painting of the era.
Technical Analysis
Goya renders the bull-herding scene with characteristic dynamic energy, using the powerful animals and active horsemen to create a composition of vivid movement and Spanish pastoral drama.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the powerful bulls being driven by horsemen, rendered with dynamic energy that captures the animals' force.
- ◆Look at the interaction between mounted herders and the herd, conveying the danger and skill of the operation.
- ◆Observe the bright decorative palette of the tapestry cartoon style, with clear warm and cool contrasts.
- ◆The composition uses the movement of animals and riders to create a horizontal sweep of action across the canvas.
- ◆Find the landscape details that root this pastoral scene in the Spanish countryside around Madrid.
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