1934 Courses de taureaux (Corrida) 3 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1931-1942

The composition presents a fragmented scene, seemingly depicting a bullfight, though conventional representation is entirely abandoned in favor of abstraction. Here we see figures rendered as geometric shapes and planes, overlapping and intersecting with little regard for spatial coherence. The color palette is vibrant and intense, dominated by yellows, reds, greens, and purples, contributing to an overall sense of dynamism and emotional volatility.
The central figure appears to be a bull, suggested through the presence of a large, rounded form in ochre tones, punctuated by dark markings that might represent eyes or musculature. To its left, a human figure is discernible – though deconstructed into angular shapes – likely representing the matador. The posture suggests movement and potential confrontation. A lance, rendered as a sharp, elongated triangle, pierces through the composition, further emphasizing the violent nature of the depicted event.
The background is equally fragmented, with what appears to be a crowd or seating area suggested by a grid-like pattern in the upper right quadrant. This section is delineated by a strong horizontal line that cuts across the canvas, creating a sense of visual division and reinforcing the disjointed quality of the scene. The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout, adding to the feeling of immediacy and raw emotion.
Subtly embedded within this chaotic arrangement are elements that hint at underlying themes beyond the surface narrative of the bullfight. The fragmentation itself can be interpreted as a commentary on the disintegration of traditional values or societal structures. The intense color scheme evokes feelings of passion, danger, and perhaps even anxiety. The lack of clear perspective and the flattening of space suggest a rejection of conventional realism in favor of an exploration of subjective experience and emotional truth. Ultimately, the work transcends a simple depiction of a bullfight; it becomes a symbolic representation of conflict, power dynamics, and the inherent fragility of human existence.