1900 Courses de taureaux (Corrida)2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a bullring or arena. A palpable sense of movement and activity permeates the space. Here we see several figures engaged in various actions related to a corrida – a traditional Spanish bullfight. Dominating the foreground are two men, their backs turned towards the viewer. They wear distinctive costumes, suggesting they are participants in the event, possibly matadors or assistants. One carries a large red cloth, likely used for taunting the bull. Their posture conveys a sense of purpose and focus as they move through the arena.
Beyond these central figures, the background reveals a bustling crowd gathered within tiered seating structures. The individuals are rendered with minimal detail, emphasizing their collective presence rather than individual identities. A dark-colored bull is visible in the midground, its form somewhat indistinct amidst the surrounding activity. It appears to be positioned near a barrier or enclosure, suggesting it is being prepared for entry into the main arena.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and grays – which contribute to the overall atmosphere of dustiness and heat associated with such an event. Accents of red in the costumes and cloth provide visual contrast and draw attention to key elements within the scene. The brushwork is loose and expressive, lending a sense of immediacy and dynamism to the depiction.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of tradition, spectacle, and perhaps even mortality. The ritualistic nature of the corrida is implied through the costumes and actions of the participants. The blurred figures in the crowd suggest the anonymity of spectatorship, while the presence of the bull hints at the inherent danger and potential for tragedy within this cultural practice. The artist’s choice to depict the scene from a slightly elevated perspective reinforces the sense of observation and distance, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human behavior and societal customs.