Picador Piercing a Bull with His Lance (series title: Collection of the Principal Maneuvers in Bullfighting) Antonio Carnicero (1748-1814)

The engraving presents a moment of intense action within a bullfight arena. Here we observe a central confrontation between a bull and a mounted picador. The bull, rendered with considerable detail in its musculature and dark coloration, is depicted lunging forward, its head lowered towards the ground as if attempting to dislodge or evade the attack. Its tail sweeps dramatically across the foreground, adding dynamism to the scene.
The picador, seated atop a rearing horse, holds his lance poised, piercing the bull’s shoulder. The horses posture is one of controlled instability; it strains upward, its hooves raised, suggesting both power and precariousness. The picador himself appears relatively calm amidst the chaos, his body angled to maintain balance while delivering the thrust. A hat obscures much of his face, contributing to a sense of anonymity within this ritualized spectacle.
To the right, another figure – likely a matador or assistant – is visible, partially obscured by a swirling cape. This individual’s posture suggests anticipation and readiness for the next stage of the encounter. The cape itself is rendered with flowing lines, emphasizing its movement and contributing to the overall sense of drama.
The arena floor is depicted as a sandy expanse, marked with subtle variations in tone that suggest texture and depth. A low barrier runs along the background, defining the perimeter of the ring. The composition adheres to a relatively straightforward perspective, focusing attention on the central action.
Beyond the immediate depiction of the bullfight maneuver, subtexts emerge concerning power dynamics and human interaction with nature. The engraving highlights the calculated risk inherent in this tradition; the picador’s position is vulnerable despite his apparent control. The bulls raw strength and unpredictable movements underscore its agency within the encounter. The anonymity afforded to the picador through his obscured face might be interpreted as a commentary on the impersonal nature of ritualized violence, or perhaps an attempt to emphasize the role rather than the individual performing it. Ultimately, the work offers a glimpse into a complex cultural practice steeped in tradition and spectacle.