Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de – La novillada Part 2 Prado Museum

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a walled enclosure, likely a bullring or practice area. A young bull dominates the foreground, its bulk filling much of the lower portion of the canvas. Several figures surround it; these appear to be novice bullfighters, identifiable by their attire and posture. One figure, positioned closest to the viewer, is actively attempting to control the animal, his body angled towards the bull in a gesture of restraint. Another, dressed in red and white, stands slightly further back, observing with an expression that seems a mixture of apprehension and determination.
The artist has employed a restricted palette, dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and grays – which contribute to a sense of somberness and immediacy. The sky above is rendered in turbulent brushstrokes of blue and gray, suggesting an impending storm or a general atmosphere of unrest. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain figures while leaving others shrouded in shadow, adding depth and complexity to the visual narrative.
The arrangement of the figures suggests a hierarchy; those closer to the bull are actively engaged in its management, while those further back appear to be spectators or instructors. The architecture of the enclosure itself – the stark white walls contrasting with the dark sky – creates a sense of confinement and emphasizes the precariousness of the situation.
Beyond the literal depiction of a training exercise, the work seems to explore themes of youthful ambition, vulnerability, and the confrontation between man and nature. The awkward postures and uncertain expressions of the young bullfighters hint at their inexperience and the inherent danger of their chosen profession. There is an underlying tension present; it’s not merely about skill or bravery but also about facing mortality. The discarded cabbage leaves near the foreground suggest a moment of interrupted sustenance, perhaps symbolizing the fragility of life itself within this enclosed space. The overall effect is one of quiet drama and psychological depth, inviting contemplation on the human condition and the rituals that define it.