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

The canvas presents a fragmented depiction of what appears to be a bullfight scene. Here we observe a chaotic arrangement of figures and forms, rendered in a style characterized by angularity and distortion. The composition is dominated by the central figure, presumably the bull, which is presented as an assemblage of geometric shapes – planes and lines intersect at sharp angles, disrupting any sense of naturalistic representation. Its form seems to be simultaneously charging forward and collapsing inward, conveying a feeling of immense power struggling against constraint.
The matador, positioned on the right side of the canvas, is equally fragmented, his body reduced to a series of linear elements that suggest movement but lack solidity. The bullfighter’s cape, rendered in white with intricate patterns, appears almost detached from his form, floating within the space. A sense of violence and struggle is amplified by the presence of what seems to be blood on the ground, depicted as a pool of intense red against the pale blue floor.
The background consists of a series of vertical lines – likely representing the barriers of the bullring – painted in shades of red and brown. These lines create a sense of enclosure and confinement, further emphasizing the tension inherent in the scene. The limited color palette – primarily reds, blacks, whites, and blues – contributes to the overall feeling of drama and intensity.
Beyond the literal depiction of a bullfight, the painting seems to explore themes of conflict, mortality, and the precariousness of human existence. The fragmentation of forms can be interpreted as a visual representation of the disintegration of traditional values or the shattering impact of violence. The distorted perspective and flattened space deny any sense of depth, creating an unsettling atmosphere that transcends a simple portrayal of a sporting event. It suggests a deeper commentary on the brutality inherent in spectacle and the vulnerability of both human and animal within it. The signature appears hastily scrawled in the upper left corner, adding to the impression of immediacy and raw emotion.