The Spirited Moor Gazul is the First to Spear Bulls according to Rules - Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

A dramatic etching from Goya's La Tauromaquia series, depicting the legendary Moorish figure Gazul in the bullring.

This etching belongs to the series La Tauromaquia, a collection of thirty-three prints produced by Francisco Goya between 1815 and 1816. The series documents the history and evolution of bullfighting in Spain, moving from ancient traditions to the modern practices of his own time. In this specific plate, Goya depicts the legendary Moorish figure Gazul, who is credited in historical accounts with establishing the formal rules of the sport.

The composition captures a moment of high tension. The rider, mounted on a horse, leans into the action as he prepares to strike the bull with a spear. Goya employs a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint to create a sense of movement and atmosphere. The use of aquatint provides a soft, tonal background that contrasts with the sharp, biting lines of the etching needle. This technique allows the artist to focus the viewer's attention on the physical struggle between the man and the animal.

Goya avoids unnecessary ornamentation, choosing instead to focus on the raw energy of the scene. The horse is depicted in a strained posture, reflecting the danger inherent in the encounter. The figure of Gazul is rendered with economy, his form defined by precise strokes that convey both his skill and his concentration. By choosing to illustrate this specific historical narrative, Goya connects the contemporary spectacle of the bullring to its cultural origins. The print serves as a record of Spanish tradition, presented with the technical mastery that defines Goya's later graphic work. The muted palette and the stark, open space surrounding the figures enhance the dramatic quality of the event, ensuring that the focus remains entirely on the action of the spearman.